A Factorial Design to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Ballon Therapy vs. Basil Leaves Steam Inhalation on Physiological Parameters Among Children with Upper Respiratory Infections in Selected Hospital, Erode

Abstract

Background: Respiratory tract infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, particularly in developing countries, second only to diarrheal disease among the acute infectious disease. About four-and-a-half million children die of respiratory tract infection accounting for 30% of all deaths in childhood. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of steam inhalation vs. twin technique on respiratory function among under-five children with respiratory tract infection. Design: Quasi-experimental where two groups are included: pre-test and post-test designs. Setting: Government Headquarters Hospital, Erode, where 30 under-five children are selected by purposive sampling technique. Methods: Under-five children with respiratory tract infection: 15 in experimental group I and 15 in experimental group II. Experimental group I under-five children received steam inhalation and II received twin technique. Pre- and post-test assessments are done with modified respiratory assessment scale to assess the level of respiratory tract infection. Results: The overall mean scores in experimental group I post-test were 45%, whereas in experimental group II, it was 53%. It reveals the difference of 8%. The significant difference in experimental groups I and II pre- and post-test scores of level of respiratory tract infection, paired t-test score in experimental group I was 9.81 and in II was 10.95, respectively, at the level of significance (P < 0.05). There is no significant association between levels of respiratory tract infection among experimental groups I and II of under-five children with their demographic variables. However, a significant association was found between post-test respiratory function score with types of infection, duration of illness and allergy in experimental group I. Conclusion: Steam inhalation as well as twin technique can be used in the treatment of under-five children with respiratory tract infection. Steam inhalation was effective than twin technique in improving respiratory function among under-five children with respiratory tract infection.