Risk Factors Associated with Common Pediatric Lower Respiratory Conditions: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/toxicologydigest.vol5no1.53Keywords:
pediatric lower respiratory disorders, neonatal mortality, pneumonia, bronchitisAbstract
Background:
Common pediatric lower respiratory conditions remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age globally. Despite numerous individual studies, a comprehensive synthesis of associated risk factors remains limited.
Objective:
To identify the risk factors associated with common pediatric lower respiratory conditions.
Methods:
A comprehensive search was conducted on four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Global Health Library). The study was conducted in tandem with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, Joanna Briggs checklists, and the GRADE criteria.
Results:
A total of 36 studies examining 19 pediatric lower respiratory conditions were included. Seven risk factors were consistently associated with disease occurrence: low birth weight, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, overcrowding (i.e., more than 7 persons per household), indoor air pollution, incomplete immunization, undernutrition, and HIV infection.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight several modifiable risk factors that significantly contribute to pediatric lower respiratory conditions. Since these risk factors are potentially preventable, addressing these through targeted public health interventions could substantially reduce disease burden and improve child survival outcomes.
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