PATTERN OF UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

Abstract

The study investigated the pattern of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections among undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. This aims to document the pattern of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and provide an evidence-based interventional strategy among the studied group. A retrospective design was utilized for the study, and samples were recruited from the General Out-Patient Department (GOPD) of the Ahmadu Bello University Medical Centre from January 2023 to December 2023.  Eight hundred and forty-three (843) patients formed the sample size. A standardized instrument based on CDC/WHO was adapted based on the documented hospital records. The obtained data were analyzed using measures of central tendency, and results were presented in frequency distribution tables and percentages. The result shows that the majority of the (40.3%) respondents were between the age group of 22-25 years and were mostly male gender. The findings further revealed a clear seasonal pattern of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, with the highest incidence reported in January at 24% and a notable peak decrease in July at 1.3%. The study concluded that a clear seasonal pattern in the prevalence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) existed, with higher rates during the colder months, particularly in January and February, and a notable decrease during the summer and recommended that the University Health Services should incorporate regular screenings for respiratory infections among students, particularly during high-risk seasons, to facilitate early detection and prompt intervention.