Impact of Status of Residence on Infant with Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity in infants, influenced by sociodemographic and environmental factors.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of residence status with RTIs during the first year of life in Bangladesh, with insights applicable to similar settings globally.
Materials and Methods: This longitudinal, community-based observational study was conducted at the Institute of Child and Maternal Health (ICMH), Dhaka, from January 2015 to December 2016. A cohort of 308 newborns was enrolled, with 212 completing the 12month follow-up. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and clinical examinations. Sociodemographic variables, including housing status and residence level, were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. The study compared RTI prevalence between infants residing in ground-level homes, including tin shed structures, and those in upper-floor residences.
Results: RTI prevalence was significantly higher among infants living in ground-level homes (71%), especially in tin shed structures, compared to those in upper-floor residences 148 (28.5%) (χ²=3.13, df=1, p<0.043). Male infants 115 (55.5%) showed a higher susceptibility to RTIs than females 92 (44.5%). The cohort predominantly consisted of nuclear families 171 (83%), with most infants having up to two siblings. Sociodemographic factors, including mode of delivery, parental consanguinity, and housing type, were associated with varying RTI patterns, highlighting the critical role of environmental exposures.
Conclusion: Residence level significantly influences infant RTI prevalence, with ground-level living posing higher risks in resource-limited settings. Addressing housing quality, pollution control, and equitable healthcare access is essential to mitigate RTI burdens in infants in Bangladesh.

The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 13 (2), July 2025; p 15-19