Prevalence and risk factors associated with pneumonia for children under five among parents at the Rwamagana level two teaching hospital: A cross-sectional study

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five globally. At Rwamagana Level II Teaching Hospital, Health Management reports show a significant rise in pneumonia cases from 2019 to 2023. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with pneumonia in children under five among parents at the Rwamagana Level Two Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 people. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The findings showed that the prevalence of pneumonia among children under five attending the outpatient and paediatric departments was 17.8%. Multivariate analysis showed female children had nine times higher odds of pneumonia than males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=9.055, P=0.031). Children in urban areas had significantly lower odds (AOR=0.132, P=0.031), as did those from non-home-owning households (AOR=0.183, P=0.042), though this finding may reflect deeper socio-economic issues. Children with smoking parents were over 21 times more likely to develop pneumonia (AOR=21.502, P=0.002). In conclusion, pneumonia prevalence in children under five at Rwamagana Hospital is high, with significant biological and socio-economic risk factors. The study recommends intensified health education, increased childhood vaccination efforts, and parental support to improve socio-economic conditions.