Determinants of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) among Under-Five Children in Rural Areas of Legambo District, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia: A Matched Case-Control Study.

Abstract Background Acute respiratory infection (ARI) leads to morbidity and mortality among under-five children in developing countries, especially in rural setting. ARI ranks among top ten diseases in under-five children in Legambo district, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate determinant factors for ARI in Legambo District in 2019. Method and materials A community-based matched case-control study was conducted among 139 cases and 278 controls under-five years from mid-January to mid-February 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were done. From multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, variables with a significance level of p  Result ARI among under-five children was significantly associated with age of mothers/caregivers being ≥35 years, occupation of mothers/caregivers being housewife, family being of medium wealth status, type of stove used in the house, carrying of child while preparing food, absence of windows in the house, and nutritional status of the child. Conclusion The occurrence of ARI could be reduced by improving economic status, stove use and nutrition of children, and by increasing community awareness regarding indoor air pollution and ventilation.