Introduction

Identification of warning signs during acute respiratory infection (ARI) is fundamental to diminish the impact of the disease and the associated mortality. The aim of the study was to estimate the relationship between age and educational level on the knowledge about the warning signs of ARI in adolescent mothers.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, with a random sample of 120 adolescent mothers registered in a private foundation in the city of Cartagena, who were given the questionnaire on Key Practices on ARI, proposed by Pan-American Health Organization.

Results

. The mean age of the participants was 17 ± 1.3 years. It was found that being over 17 years of age increases the probability of recognizing at least three warning signs [OR: 2.8 (95% CI: 1.3 - 6.1)]. Likewise, adolescents with a higher level of schooling have greater probability of recognizing three warning signs for the disease [OR: 3.2 (95% CI: 1.5 - 6.9)] than those with lower educational level.

Discussion and Conclusions

Personal determinants, like higher age and schooling, impact positively upon the mothers’ knowledge about the warning signs of ARI. It is important to strengthen health education programs for the care of children within this population.

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