Relationship between hygiene habits and the incidence of acute respiratory infections in preschool children

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity, particularly among preschoolers. The prevention of these diseases is closely linked to the adoption of proper hygiene habits both at home and in educational settings. Objective: To analyze the relationship between hygiene habits and parental care with the incidence of acute respiratory infections in children aged 3 to 5 years at the Cruz Roja Educational Institution in Milagro during the period from April to September 2023. Materials and Methods: A field-based, quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 50 preschool children. A structured questionnaire was applied to parents to identify hygiene practices and the presence of ARIs. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Results: 62% of the children experienced at least one episode of ARI during the study period. Of these cases, 78% corresponded to children with inadequate hygiene habits. The chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between both variables. More than half of the parents reported inconsistent or insufficient preventive practices. Conclusion: A direct relationship between children's hygiene habits—strongly influenced by parental care—and the incidence of ARIs was confirmed. It is recommended to strengthen health education targeting families and school communities to promote a culture of self-care from an early age.