TITLE:
Epidemiological and Clinical Determinants of Acute Respiratory Infections among Children Aged 0 - 14 Years in Kamina Health District, Democratic Republic of Congo
AUTHORS:
Chancelle Nasoro Abiba, Simon Ilunga Kandolo, Guillaume Ngoie Mwamba, Georges Banza Maloba, Michel Kabamba Nzaji, Celestin Muleka Kimpanga, Oscar Luboya Numbi
KEYWORDS:
Acute Respiratory Infections, Children, Determinants, Epidemiology, Peak Expiratory Flow, Democratic Republic of Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
3,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying their epidemiological, clinical, and environmental determinants is essential for designing effective prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and determinants of ARIs among children aged 0 - 14 years in the Kamina health zone, Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 384 children aged 0 - 14 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, environmental exposures, nutritional status, vaccination history, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements were performed among eligible children. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with ARIs. Results: Children exhibiting active signs of ARI were 12.5 times more likely to have the infection in bivariate analysis (PR = 12.5, p Conclusion: ARIs represent a substantial public health burden among children in the Kamina health zone, driven primarily by household transmission and individual susceptibility factors. The limited diagnostic contribution of PEF underscores the need for integrated approaches combining clinical, environmental, and functional assessments. Strengthening community awareness, improving environmental conditions, and enhancing early detection strategies are critical to reducing ARI burden in resource-limited settings.