Relation of Pneumonia with Some Socioeconomic Factors in Children Under Five Years Old in Al-Najaf Governorate.

Abstract

Aim of the study : Pneumonia remains the leading killer of young children despite the availability of: simple, safe, effective and inexpensive interventions to reduce its capacity to kill. Objective:- The aim of the study is to tracing of pneumonia disease in relation with some socioeconomic factors in children under five years. Methodology:- A descriptive study was carried out in Al-Zahraa and Al-Hakeem Hospital for the period of 1/10/2012 to 28/3/2013. A purposive (non probability) sample of (100) patients was included. Questionnaire was constructed for the purpose of the study, data were collected through the application of the questionnaire and interview technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistical approach ( pie and bar chart) and inferential statistical approach (t-Test) by using of (SPSS version 17). Results: The study results indicated that the highly percentage of pneumonia patients was in age group of ( 0-1 year ), (83 %) and it gave a highly statistical significant deference (HS=P<0.001). The highly percentage of pneumonia patients (86%) was in low income more than another incomes and it gave a highly statistical significant deference (HS=P<0.001). The highly percentage of causes of pneumonia was bacteria (90%), in comparison with another causes and it gave a highly statistical significant deference (HS=P<0.001). The highly percentage of pneumonia patients was in male (62%), than female (38%), and it gave a statistical significant deference (H=P<0.05). The highly percentage in distribution of pneumonia patients was in urban area (91%), than rural area (9%), and it gave a highly statistical significant deference (HS=P<0.001). The highly percentage of pneumonia occurrence was in a history of family smoker (30%, 38%) respectively, than non smoker (32%) and it gave a statistical significant deference (H=P<0.05). Conclusions: pneumonia was common in the following statuses:- age group of ( 0-1 year), in low income, in bacterial infection, and urban area. While pneumonia was less common in the following statuses:- between gender and effect of cigarette smoking. Recommendation: Strengthening of pneumonia health care to make its reaches to the majority of Iraqi mothers through the following : Training of doctors and medical workers and use the mass media as a health education about the disease.