ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERFORMANCE OF MCH PHYSICIANS TRAINED ON WHO ARI STANDARD CASE MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN IN ALEXANDRIA

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections (AR1s) are one of the maJOr causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. ARI mortality is ten tim :s higher in developing countries th2.n in developed countries. FU cisons •, advanced for the consistently high ARi mortality rate in developing countries include poverty, overcrowding, mr pollution, malnutrition, harrn!iJl traditional practices, delllyed care-seeking and inappropriate case management at health facilities.

Children under five years may suffer fmm 5-8 attacks of ARI annually. One fourth to one third of under-five mortality in developing countries has been shown to be attributable to ARI as an underlying or a contributing cause. Most of these deaths are due to pneumonia and are preventabk with adequate antibiotic treatment. While many of children with ARI lack the benefit of essential antibiotic treatment, others are victims of indiscriminate and inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Research studies in Egypt and other developing countries have shovm that training of physicians in the rational and effective mimagemen••: of ARI episodes can help to reduce mortality due to ARI in the community.

Among the goals for achieving health for all CHFA) by the year 2000

1.vas a one-third reduction in child deaths caused by ARI. The corner-stone of the strategy for reducing ARI mortality is standard case management using ;imple antimicrobial agents. Applying the case management strategy recommended by the WHO, trained physicians in various countries have