Abstract
Background
Preventing respiratory tract infections (RTIs) could have profound effects on quality of life, primary care workload, antibiotic prescribing and stewardship. We aimed to identify factors that increase and decrease RTI acquisition within Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries.
Methods
Systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane and ISI Web of Knowledge for studies conducted up to July 2020 reporting predisposing factors for community RTI acquisition. Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random-effects model.
Results
23 studies investigated risk factors associated with community-acquired pneumonia (n = 15); any RTI (n = 4); influenza like illness (n = 2); and lower RTI (n = 2). Demographic, lifestyle and social factors were: underweight BMI (pooled odds ratio (ORp 2.14, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.70, p = 0.97); male sex (ORp 1.30, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.33, p = 0.66); contact with pets (ORp 1.35, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.54, p = 0.72); contact with children (ORp 1.35, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.56, p = 0.05); and ex-smoking status (ORp 1.57, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.88, p = 0.76). Health-related factors were: chronic liver condition (ORp 1.30, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.50, p = 0.34); chronic renal condition (ORp 1.47, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.85, p = 0.14); and any hospitalisation in previous five years (ORp 1.64, 95% CI 1.46 to 1.82, p = 0.66).
Conclusions
We identified several modifiable risk factors associated with increased likelihood of acquiring RTIs in the community, including low BMI, contact with children and pets. Modification of risk factors and increased awareness of vulnerable groups could reduce morbidity, mortality and antibiotic use associated with RTIs.
PROSPERO registration
CRD42019134176.
Preventing respiratory tract infections (RTIs) could have profound effects on quality of life, primary care workload, antibiotic prescribing and stewardship. We aimed to identify factors that increase and decrease RTI acquisition within Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries.
Methods
Systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane and ISI Web of Knowledge for studies conducted up to July 2020 reporting predisposing factors for community RTI acquisition. Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random-effects model.
Results
23 studies investigated risk factors associated with community-acquired pneumonia (n = 15); any RTI (n = 4); influenza like illness (n = 2); and lower RTI (n = 2). Demographic, lifestyle and social factors were: underweight BMI (pooled odds ratio (ORp 2.14, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.70, p = 0.97); male sex (ORp 1.30, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.33, p = 0.66); contact with pets (ORp 1.35, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.54, p = 0.72); contact with children (ORp 1.35, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.56, p = 0.05); and ex-smoking status (ORp 1.57, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.88, p = 0.76). Health-related factors were: chronic liver condition (ORp 1.30, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.50, p = 0.34); chronic renal condition (ORp 1.47, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.85, p = 0.14); and any hospitalisation in previous five years (ORp 1.64, 95% CI 1.46 to 1.82, p = 0.66).
Conclusions
We identified several modifiable risk factors associated with increased likelihood of acquiring RTIs in the community, including low BMI, contact with children and pets. Modification of risk factors and increased awareness of vulnerable groups could reduce morbidity, mortality and antibiotic use associated with RTIs.
PROSPERO registration
CRD42019134176.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1254 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | BMC Infectious Diseases |
| Volume | 21 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Dec 2021 |