Community factors contributing to increased cases of pneumonia among children below five years admitted on the paediatric ward, Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, Kayunga, district. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background.

The aim of the study is to determine the community factors contributing to increased cases of pneumonia among children below five years admitted to the pediatric ward, Kayunga regional referral hospital, Kayunga, district.

 Methodology.

The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional study design using a purposive sampling technique. A sample of 50 respondents was used, and self-administered questionnaires were used as a data collection tool. Data was entered into tally sheets and later exported to Excel to generate tables, figures, and pie charts.

 Results.

The majority, 25(50%), were 3-4 years. The majority, 29(58%), were male. The majority (62%) of children who had pneumonia were exposed to smoke. Most children (58%) who had pneumonia lived in crowded houses, whereas the fewest (42%) of children who had pneumonia lived in spacious houses. More than half (56%) of the homes of the respondents had adequate ventilation, while less than half (44%) of the homes of the respondents had inadequate ventilation. Most (50%) were using borehole water, whereas less than half (10%) were using spring water. The majority (46%) of caregivers of children who had pneumonia were peasants, while the least (4%) had government jobs.  

 Conclusion.

Community factors contributing to increased cases of pneumonia among children below five years admitted to the pediatric ward were: exposure to environmental and household smoke, unemployed caregivers, crowded housing, poor ventilation, and use of contaminated water sources.

 Recommendations.

Unemployment, which predisposes caregivers of children who have pneumonia to poverty, should be addressed by encouraging them to start vocational activities to eradicate poverty and to be able to afford essential needs for their children.