Determinants, Prevalence and Spatial Variation of Pneumonia Among Children Under Five Years in Ainamoi Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

The incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in Kenya has seen a steady increase, from 8% in 2008 to 9% in 2014 and 14% in 2020, despite concerted governmental efforts to reduce pneumonia-related mortality in children under five. The prevalence of pneumonia in Kenya stands at 16%, higher than the regional average of 14% across Africa. This study sought to evaluate pneumonia prevalence, its determinants, spatial distribution, and household response strategies. An empirical and theoretical review formed the foundation of the research, drawing on germ theory and protective motivation theory. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach combining questionnaires and key informant interviews. The sample size of the study was 391 respondents who were selected using snowball sampling. Data analysis was done using frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square tests. The findings indicated that the pneumonia prevalence rate among children under five in the study area remained high (36%), across key indicators such as cough, breathing issues, and chest complications. The determinants of pneumonia prevalence included hereditary factors, humid cleaning practices, residential location, and frequency of exposure to overcrowded environments (p-value < 0.005). Child pneumonia prevalence in Ainamoi Sub-County.Findings present the three symptoms related to pneumonia: cough, breathing, and chest symptoms.