Publication:

Risk Factors Associated with Pneumonia among under 5 Years Children at Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia

The study used a systematic random sampling technique to select 188 under 5 children with pneumonia. A structured questionnaire and interview guide were employed in collecting data. Qualitative data was analyzedusing content technique. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The inferential statistics entailed the multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors that predict pneumonia among the under 5 years children.Results: The results indicated that the social demographic factors that were protective and decreased the odds of prevalence of pneumonia among under 5 years children were age of 4 -5 years (Odds=1.125, P=0.008<0.05); caretakers who had attended university (0.964;P=0.010<0.05); caretakers who earned 300-400$ (Odds=1.315; P=0.006<0.05); birth weightover 3kgs (Odds=2.422; P=0.014<0.05); permanent housing (Odds= 0.810; P=0.007<0.05). The environmental factors that were associatedwith high prevalence of pneumonia among under 5 years children were living in an environment without safe air quality (Odds= 1.402; P=0.033<0.05); and living in an environment where firewood is used for cooking (Odds=0.704;P=0.038<0.05). The health related factors that were protective and decreased the odds of prevalence of pneumonia among under 5 years children were pneumonia vaccination (Odds=0.948; P=0.008<0.05). Conclusion:The study concluded that the risk factors for pneumonia among children aged under 5 years were age, level of education, income, birth weight, exclusive breast feeding, pneumonia vaccination, postnatal care, and history of acute respiratory tract infection. The study recommends that the health centres should equip the mothers and the caregivers with the basic knowledge regarding health and the hospitals to conduct post-natal training programs to the mothers and caregivers.