Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Children with DengueFever

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever is a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aims to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of children with dengue fever at the Institute of Child and Mother Health (ICMH) in Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over one year, involving 54 children aged 0-18 years diagnosed with dengue fever at ICMH. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and review of investigation reports. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Results: The majority of the participants were under 5 years of age (48.15%) and male (55.56%). A family history of dengue was reported in 24.07% of cases. Nutritional assessment showed 74.07% were of normal weight, with smaller proportions being obese, overweight, underweight, or malnourished. Most children experienced fever for less than 5 days (98.15%). High usage of mosquito nets (90.74%) and repellents (74.07%) was noted. Hospital stay duration varied, with 51.85% staying for 3-6 days. Clinical presentations included fever (100%), vomiting (81.48%), abdominal pain (35.19%), and rash (20.37%). Bleeding manifestations included skin bleeding (18.52%) and gum bleeding (14.81%). The tourniquet test was positive in 24.07% of cases. Hemoglobin levels were below 9.9 grams per deciliter in 22.22% of cases. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric dengue patients in Bangladesh. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions and improved clinical management strategies to enhance patient outcomes.