Impact of Status of Residence on Infant with Respiratory Tract Infections

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity in infants, influenced by sociodemographic and environmental factors. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of residence status with RTIs during the first year of life in Bangladesh, with insights applicable to similar settings globally.Materials and Methods: This longitudinal, community-based observational study was conducted at the Institute of Child and Maternal Health (ICMH), Dhaka, from January 2015 to December 2016. A cohort of 308 newborns was enrolled, with 212 completing the 12month follow-up. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and clinical examinations. Sociodemographic variables, including housing status and residence level, were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. The study compared RTI prevalence between infants residing in ground-level homes, including tin shed structures, and those in upper-floor residences.Results: RTI prevalence was significantly higher among infants living in ground-level homes (71%), especially in tin shed structures, compared to those in upper-floor residences 148 (28.5%) (χ²=3.13, df=1, p