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NASAL CARRIERS OF STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE AMONG CHILDREN BETWEEN 0 – 5 YEARS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly referred to as pneumococcus, remains a major global health concern, particularly among children aged 0 to 5 years. As a leading cause of respiratory infections and invasive diseases, S. pneumoniae continues to exact a substantial toll on child morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among the various reservoirs of this bacterium, nasal carriage in healthy individuals has gained considerable attention due to its role in facilitating person-to-person transmission and disease dissemination within communities. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with nasal carriage of S. pneumoniae in the early childhood population is essential for devising effective preventive strategies and reducing the burden of pneumococcal diseases in this vulnerable age group.

The nasopharynx, specifically among children, is a favorable ecological niche for S. pneumoniae colonization. Asymptomatic carriers can harbor the pathogen, enabling it to persist and disseminate to susceptible individuals. Moreover, young children, with their developing immune systems and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, are particularly susceptible to S. pneumoniae colonization and its potential sequelae.

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the epidemiology and dynamics of pneumococcal carriage among various age groups, but the burden of nasal carriers among children aged 0 to 5 years requires specific attention. This age group is particularly critical as it encompasses a period of rapid growth and development, during which children may experience multiple exposures to S. pneumoniae in diverse settings, such as daycare centers, schools, and households.

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of nasal carriage of S. pneumoniae among children between 0 to 5 years, along with exploring the potential risk factors associated with colonization. By analyzing the available literature, we seek to identify key factors contributing to pneumococcal carriage and assess the implications of these findings for public health interventions and preventive measures.

The findings of this study can have far-reaching implications in the field of pediatric healthcare. By elucidating the risk factors associated with nasal carriage, healthcare professionals and policymakers can develop targeted strategies for the early identification and management of asymptomatic carriers, thus reducing the risk of disease transmission within communities. Furthermore, understanding the dynamics of S. pneumoniae carriage in this age group can inform the development and implementation of effective pneumococcal vaccination programs, tailored to the specific needs and susceptibilities of young children.

In conclusion, this investigation serves to shed light on the burden of S. pneumoniae nasal carriers among children aged 0 to 5 years and highlights the importance of further research and surveillance to comprehend the intricate interplay between the pathogen and its human hosts. Ultimately, through such efforts, we aim to foster a safer and healthier environment for our youngest population, protecting them from the preventable scourge of pneumococcal diseases.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus, is a significant cause of respiratory infections and invasive diseases among children aged 0 to 5 years. Nasal carriage of S. pneumoniae in healthy individuals has been identified as a crucial reservoir for the transmission of the bacterium within communities. However, the prevalence and risk factors associated with nasal carriage of S. pneumoniae among children in this age group remain understudied.

The problem at hand is the lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence of S. pneumoniae nasal carriers and the potential risk factors contributing to colonization among children aged 0 to 5 years. The existing knowledge gap hinders the development of targeted preventive measures and interventions to curb pneumococcal diseases in this vulnerable population. Understanding the dynamics of nasal carriage is essential to identify asymptomatic carriers who could serve as sources of infection and transmission, leading to outbreaks of pneumococcal diseases.

Therefore, this study seeks to address the following questions: What is the prevalence of S. pneumoniae nasal carriers among children aged 0 to 5 years? What are the potential risk factors associated with nasal carriage in this age group? How can this information be utilized to design effective strategies for reducing the burden of pneumococcal diseases and promoting the health and well-being of young children? 

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Main Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of nasal carriers of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 0 to 5 years and to investigate potential risk factors associated with colonization. Specific Objectives:

1.   To assess the overall prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage among children aged 0 to 5 years in [insert study area or setting].

2.   To identify and compare the prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the study population.

3.   To examine the association between age, household crowding, daycare attendance, and the likelihood of nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 0 to 5 years.

4.   To provide evidence-based recommendations for preventive strategies, public health interventions, and targeted vaccination campaigns to reduce the burden of pneumococcal diseases in this vulnerable age group.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.   What is the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage among children aged 0 to 5 years in [insert study area or setting]?

2.   What are the potential risk factors associated with nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in children aged 0 to 5 years, and how do these factors differ between asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers?

3.   Is there a significant association between age, household crowding, daycare attendance, and the likelihood of nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 0 to 5 years?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Research Question 1:

What is the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage among children aged 0 to 5 years in [insert study area or setting]?

Research Hypothesis (H1): The prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage among children aged 0 to 5 years in [insert study area or setting] is higher than 20%.

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant difference in the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage among children aged 0 to 5 years in [insert study area or setting], and it is equal to or less than 20%.

Research Question 2:

What are the potential risk factors associated with nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in children aged 0 to 5 years, and how do these factors differ between asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers?

Research Hypothesis (H1): There are significant differences in the risk factors associated with nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae between asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers among children aged 0 to 5 years.

Null Hypothesis (H0): There are no significant differences in the risk factors associated with nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae between asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers among children aged 0 to 5 years. 

Research Question 3:

Is there a significant association between age, household crowding, daycare attendance, and the likelihood of nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 0 to 5 years?

Research Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant association between age, household crowding, daycare attendance, and the likelihood of nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 0 to 5 years.

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant association between age, household crowding, daycare attendance, and the likelihood of nasal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 0 to 5 years. 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on determining the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage among children aged 0 to 5 years and investigating potential risk factors associated with colonization. The research will be conducted in [insert study area or setting] and aims to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of pneumococcal carriage in this specific age group.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Streptococcus pneumoniae: Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus, is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for a range of respiratory infections and invasive diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media, particularly affecting young children and immunocompromised individuals.

Nasal Carriage: Nasal carriage refers to the state in which a person carries a microorganism, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, in their nasal passages without exhibiting any signs or symptoms of infection. Asymptomatic carriers can transmit the pathogen to others, contributing to disease transmission.

Prevalence: Prevalence represents the proportion or percentage of a specific condition, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage, within a defined population at a given point in time. It provides an estimate of the burden of the condition in the study population.

Asymptomatic Carrier: An asymptomatic carrier is an individual who carries a pathogen, like Streptococcus pneumoniae, without experiencing any noticeable signs or symptoms of infection. Despite lacking symptoms, asymptomatic carriers can spread the microorganism to others.

Symptomatic Carrier: A symptomatic carrier is an individual who carries a pathogen, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, in their nasal passages and exhibits clinical symptoms of infection, such as respiratory tract infections or other related illnesses. 

Risk Factors: Risk factors are characteristics or variables that increase the likelihood of an individual becoming a carrier of Streptococcus pneumoniae. These factors may include age, household crowding, daycare attendance, and other environmental or individual factors.

Age Group: The age group in this study refers to children between 0 to 5 years, encompassing the early childhood period of development, which is known to be particularly susceptible to respiratory infections and pneumococcal colonization.

Pneumococcal Diseases: Pneumococcal diseases refer to various infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, otitis media, and sinusitis, which can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.