Nursing Interventions and the Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in Preschool Children

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are among the leading causes of morbidity in the pediatric population, particularly in preschool-aged children. In response to this public health issue, nursing interventions have been recognized as fundamental strategies for prevention. However, their implementation within educational settings still presents significant challenges. Objective: To analyze the incidence of nursing interventions in the prevention of acute respiratory infections (ARI) among preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years at the Cruz Roja Educational Institution in the canton of Milagro, during the period from April to September 2023. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 60 preschool children selected through non-probability sampling. A structured survey was administered to caregivers to assess the frequency of ARI episodes, the implementation of nursing interventions, and caregivers’ perceptions of their effectiveness. Results: A total of 41.7% of the children experienced at least one episode of ARI within the last six months. The most highly valued interventions were the promotion of vaccination (33.3%) and education on handwashing (25%). However, only 33.3% of caregivers reported that these measures were consistently implemented at the institution. The perceived effectiveness of the interventions was generally positive, although the data revealed irregularity in their application. Conclusions: Nursing interventions have a positive effect on the prevention of ARI in preschoolers, especially when applied consistently. Nonetheless, variability in their implementation limits their overall impact. It is recommended to strengthen the systematization of these practices within the school setting as a key public health measure.