Investigating the Incidence of CAP in Children under Five Years of Age at Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Regional Teaching Hospital

چکیده

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the major health problems among children under five years of age worldwide and remains a leading cause of mortality in this age group, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Several factors, including malnutrition and poor personal and environmental hygiene, contribute to the high burden of the disease. Of the estimated 4–5 million deaths annually among children under five years of age, approximately one million are attributed to pneumonia. As Afghanistan is classified as a low-income country, this study aimed to determine the incidence of pneumonia among children under five years of age at Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Regional Teaching Hospital in Balkh Province. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Regional Teaching Hospital in Balkh Province. Data were collected from the hospital registration books and patient medical records over the first five months of the year 1404 (Hijri Shamsi). All records had been completed by physicians and medical specialists. The collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods. During the study period, a total of 42,048 sick children under five years of age visited the hospital, of whom 1,992 cases (4.73%) were diagnosed with pneumonia. The majority of pneumonia cases occurred in male children (54.22%), with most patients belonging to the 2–5-year age group (52.1%). The monthly distribution of cases in Hamal, Sawr, Jawza, Saratan, and Asad was 22%, 21.23%, 20.23%, 15%, and 21.53%, respectively. Regarding place of residence, most cases (62.75%) were from the central area of Mazar-e-Sharif city. Among the 1,992 pneumonia cases, 26 deaths were recorded, with male children accounting for the majority of fatalities (53.84%). The findings indicate that pneumonia remains a significant health concern among children under five years of age in Balkh Province. Male children and those aged 2–5 years were the most affected groups. These results underscore the need for improved preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and effective management to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with pneumonia in this vulnerable population