Analysis of risk factor for pneumonia in children less than five years in Makassar.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is one of the main causes of mortality in children less than five years worldwide and in Makassar City. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for pneumonia in children less than five years in Makassar City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study design was used in this research. A total of 210 children with consent from the parents were included in this study, which consisted of 70 children's cases, and the data of the control group were taken by the random sampling method. All related data such as immunization record, nutritional status, birth body weight, vitamin A intake in the last six-month record, and parents' education, occupation, and monthly income were registered as independent and control variables. Data analysis was performed by the Chi-square and logistic regression model with a P value of 0.005 and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: Incomplete diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus-hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B (DPT-HB-Hib) immunization at the age of 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months, which had adjusted OR (AOR = 9,680; P = 0,001) and malnutrition condition (weight for age) (AOR = 5,486; P < 0,005), were associated with the incidence of pneumonia in children less than five years, whereas incomplete measles-rubella ( P = 0,770), low birth weight history ( P = 0,403), lack of vitamin A intake ( P = 0,720), parents' education ( P = 0,163), and presence of smoker inside the household ( P =) were not associated with the incidence of pneumonia in children less than five years ( P > 0.005) in Makassar City.

CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete DPT-HB-Hib immunization for three doses at the age of 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months and malnutrition were associated with pneumonia and the highest risk factors for developing pneumonia in children less than five years in Makassar City, Indonesia.