Abstract:
Chest infections remain a major cause of morbidity among children worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the impact of winter weather and environmental factors on the incidence and severity of chest infections among children in Upper Dir, a mountainous district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data were collected from 249 child patients presenting with respiratory complaints during the winter season using a structured questionnaire. Variables included demographic information, environmental exposures, heating methods, household ventilation, clinical symptoms, frequency of infections, and access to healthcare. The findings revealed an alarmingly high burden of illness, with nearly all children experiencing recurrent chest infections during winter. A slight male predominance (59%) was observed, and children under five years were identified as the most vulnerable group. Indoor environmental conditions emerged as the strongest determinant: all households relied on wood stoves for heating, and none had proper ventilation, leading to prolonged exposure to indoor smoke. Clinical features were dominated by cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain, consistent with acute lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and low maternal education, further increased risk. Healthcare access was extremely limited, with most families traveling two or more hours to reach the nearest facility, often delaying treatment. This study concludes that winter chest infections in children of Upper Dir are primarily driven by indoor smoke exposure, poor living conditions, and lack of timely healthcare. It recommends introducing cleaner household heating methods, improving ventilation, strengthening community health education, and expanding rural healthcare services. Addressing these root causes could significantly reduce the burden of respiratory illness and improve child health outcomes in the region
Page(s):
147-147
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 1st International Conference on "Recent Advances in Green Biotechnology and Climate Resilience", September 15-16, 2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025