Perception and Management of Acute respiratory tract infections in a Slum Cluster of Delhi

B.S. Aribam; P.C. Joshi; Sangeeta Sharma

Volume : IV, Issue : VI, June - 2015

Perception and Management of Acute respiratory tract infections in a Slum Cluster of Delhi

B. S. Aribam, P. C. Joshi, Sangeeta Sharma

Abstract :

Globally, acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) is responsible for more than 2 million deaths of under five children annually. The present study aims to highlight the perceptions and management of pneumonia in a slum community. In this study, 50 caretakers were interviewed in a slum cluster of Delhi through door to door survey by a trained social scientist. Scheduled interview technique and focus group discussions were used for collecting data. The findings indicated that majority of the caretakers could recognize chest in–drawing (pasli chalna) as a key indicator of pneumonia however, very few could recognize fast eathing as early symptom of pneumonia. Hospitals were the last resort for seeking health care among this community. The study provides baseline data on attitudes and behaviour of caretakers related with ARI.