Conducted by BatStateU
, Started on 2012 -
Completed on 2013
Completed
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Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) represent the most common acute illness evaluated in the outpatient setting. URTIs range from the common cold – typically a mild, self-limited, catarrhal syndrome of the nasopharynx – to life-threatening illnesses such as epiglottitis. Viruses account for most URTIs. Bacterial primary infection or superinfection may require targeted therapy. (Sheldon, 2008) This study aimed to determine the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections in selected barangays of Batangas City. Specifically, this study sought to determine the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, educational attainment, monthly income, type of family structure, including the most common upper respiratory tract infection that they have experienced. Moreover, the risk factors contributing upper respiratory tract infections, with respect to occupational, hygienic, nutritional, and financial, as well as the corresponding infection-preventive measures applied, were also determined. The researchers used the descriptive method of research to determine the risk factors contributing to prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections. The respondents of the study were 370 residents coming from the 5 selected barangays of Rural Health Unit II (RHU II) namely: Brgy. Libjo and Brgy. San Isidro; Rural Health Unit IV(RHU IV) namely: Brgy. Tabangao Aplaya, Brgy. Sta. Clara and Brgy. Wawa. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents were males, belonging to extended families, with ages of less than 25 years old. Mostly high school graduates, and with monthly income ranging from P5,000-P9,000. Acute Rhinitis was found out to be the most common upper respiratory tract infection experienced by the respondents in the selected barangays. On the other hand, the most common preventive measure used by the respondents is abstaining from cigarette smoking, in terms of hygienic risk factors; having low fat diet in terms of nutritional risk factors; and proper budget management for family needs in terms of financial risk factors. Based on the findings, the researchers devised an information material in the form of a pamphlet to inform the residents regarding the risk factors contributing to upper respiratory tract infections in selected barangays of Batangas City. Furthermore, seminar and open forum were also included as part of the proposed extension program of the department for the respondents afflicted with URTI.