Serum Zinc Levels in Hospitalized Children with ARI aged 2 Months to 5 years: Association with Socioeconomic and Nutritional Status in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a global health problem in children. Zinc stimulates

immune responses and prevents infection. Multiple risk factors like low socioeconomic status and

malnutrition are associated to be attributable to ARI. Aim of the study was to study the serum zinc levels in

ARI children and its association with socioeconomic and nutritional status.

Material and Methods: Serum Zinc levels in 100 hospitalized children with ARI were assessed and its

association with socioeconomic and nutritional status was made out.

Results: Mean serum zinc levels in 60% of ARI children were below normal. Mean serum zinc levels was

70.27 25.33 g/dL. Serum zinc levels were statistically low in ARI children of low socioeconomic status

(P-value <0.04) and malnourished (P-value <0.05) children.

Conclusion: Serum zinc levels in children with ARI with low socioeconomic status and malnutrition were

found to be low.