Prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors among under five years old children at tertiary hospital in Mogadishu Somalia

Abstract

Introduction Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years old. Despite advancements in medical science, the disease remains a significant public health concern particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors among under-five children at a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, to contribute to the formulation of effective intervention strategies. Methods A hospital-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2024. A sample size of 384 children was determined using the Cochran formula. Simple random sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with caregivers and review of medical records using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated sources. Data were analysed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis with chi-square tests. Variables with P<0.2 were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to adjust for confounders. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result Overall, data of 356 children under 5 years were analysed. The majority comprised children aged 1 month-1 year (n=121,34.0%). The prevalence of pneumonia was 42.1%. Nearly half of the children had not been vaccinated, and aspiration incidents were reported in 19.9% of cases. Children of less than one month (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI:1.59-3.58, p<0.1001), and those aged >1-2 years (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.31-2.74, p=0.001), >3-4 years (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.24-1.80, p=0.003), and >4-5 years (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.19-3.00, p=0.007) had a significantly higher risk of paediatric pneumonia. Furthermore, unvaccinated children (AOR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.60-0.99, p=0.048), and allergic disease in the family (AOR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.58-0.96, p=0.020) were significantly associated with paediatric pneumonia. Conclusion The study highlights the significant burden of pneumonia among children under five in Mogadishu and identifies key risk factors contributing to its prevalence. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including improved vaccination coverage, and enhanced caregiver education. Addressing these factors is crucial for reducing pneumonia-related morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable.