EC Paediatrics

Background: Pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under-five years. It was estimated that pneumonia kills 900,000 children under-five years each year worldwide. Approximately 172 deaths per 1,000 live births occurs in sub-Saharan African countries, with pneumonia being the major cause.

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, associated factors, management strategies and outcome of pneumonia among children under five years in the Buea Regional Hospital South West Region of Cameroon.

Methods: The study used a hospital-based retrospective study where data was obtained from the paediatric records and patients’ files using a review checklist. Data was obtained from files registered for five consecutive years; from 2018 to 2022. Data was collected on the diagnosis of pneumonia, types, associated factors and outcome. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of pneumonia in the study area was 7.34% (95% CI (4.61 - 11.42). Factors such as cooking inside the living room [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 6.2; 95%CI: 1.8 - 21.6], overcrowding (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1 - 6.2), HIV positive children (AOR = 6.1; 95%CI: 2.7 - 13.3), malnutrition status (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI: 1.1 - 5.0) and vaccination status (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.8 - 6.0) were significantly associated with the occurrence of pneumonia in children under-five years. Among the 431 files of children under five years reviewed, most 392 (90.96%) of them improved, while 39 (9.04%) died.

Conclusion: This study showed that prevalence of pneumonia and mortality rates secondary to pneumonia were high. Being malnourished, positive sero-status for HIV infection, and unvaccinated, among others were identified as determinant factors of mortality. Committed, harmonized and integrated intervention needs to be taken to reduce mortality from pneumonia.

 Keywords: Retrospective; Prevalence; Pneumonia; Associated Factors and Strategies to Eradicate Pneumonia

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