# Determinants of childhood pneumonia: a retrospective hospital-based analysis

## TL;DR

This study identifies key risk factors for childhood pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on modifiable factors like breastfeeding, immunization, and cooking fuel use.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into modifiable risk factors for childhood pneumonia in resource-limited settings through a hospital-based case–control analysis.

## Key findings

- Unclean cooking fuel and incomplete immunization significantly increase pneumonia risk.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and maternal age under 25 are protective factors.
- Malnutrition unexpectedly showed a protective effect, while zinc supplementation had a moderate positive impact.

## Abstract

Childhood pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, driven by a complex interplay of socioeconomic, environmental, and modifiable risk factors.

To investigate determinants of pneumonia among children aged 2–59 months in resource-limited settings, with a focus on healthcare, nutritional, and environmental factors.

A retrospective hospital-based case–control study was conducted using medical records of children aged 2–59 months. Cases were physician-diagnosed pneumonia based on WHO IMCI criteria, while controls were children without respiratory illness presenting for unrelated conditions. Data on demographics, household exposures, immunization, nutrition, and feeding practices were extracted using a standardized form.

Multivariable analysis identified significant risk factors: use of unclean cooking fuel (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.25–3.23), incomplete immunization (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.24–6.20), and lack of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.32–3.34). Maternal age ≥25 years was also associated with increased risk (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.26–3.31). Malnutrition showed an unexpected protective effect (AOR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08–0.23), while zinc supplementation showed a moderate effect (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01–2.64). No significant associations were observed for HIV status, vitamin A supplementation, smoking exposure, child age, sex, or household crowding.

Childhood pneumonia in under-five children is strongly influenced by modifiable factors, particularly breastfeeding practices, immunization coverage, nutritional status, and household energy sources. Targeted interventions addressing these determinants may substantially reduce the burden of pneumonia in resource-limited settings.