Frequency of pediatric acute respiratory tract infections in Iran; A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) continue as the leading cause of mortality in under 5-year-old children worldwide. We decided to review available data about the incidence and prevalence of all diseases included in this category in Iran. Methods: A systematic review was designed to obtain related data from English and Farsi sources, published or unpublished. An internet search of known data sources and websites of Iranian medical universities was conducted. In addition, we reviewed abstract books of related Persian seminars and prevalence reports of ARI in children from different departments in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran. After deleting duplicates obtained material was evaluated by two epidemiologists and selected documents underwent quality assessment through data extraction checklists. We have included the most valid studies in this review. Results: Only 19 out of 98 documents reported frequency of a disease in a defined population, a group of outpatients, or hospitalized patients. Almost all of the studies had some limitations. In addition, there were no similarities in methods or place/time to make a summary on any ARIs’ frequency. So, we discussed each study, separately. Conclusion: Available data about frequency of ARIs in Iran were not beneficial enough to calculate burden of related diseases and make decision analysis for suggested interventions. Valid and large longitudinal population-based studies should be designed in different regions of the country supported by the Ministry and research centers.