Table 1.
Demographic characteristics of pediatric patients with acute bacterial meningitis admitted to Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2022
| Variables | Category | Controls: n (%) | Cases: n (%) | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sex of the child | Male | 169 (59.5) | 45 (63.4) | 0.55 |
| Female | 115(40.5) | 26(36.6) | ||
| Age of the child | < 2 months | 38(13.1) | 6(8.5) | 0.049 |
| 2 months to 5 years | 102(35.9) | 37(52.1) | 0.026 | |
| 5–10 years | 101(35.6) | 23(32.4) | 0.201 | |
| 10–14 years | 43(15.1) | 5(7.0) | ||
| Area of residence | Rural | 205(72.2) | 58(81.7) | 0.102 |
| Urban | 79(28.2) | 13(18.3) | ||
| Season of admission | Summer | 49(17.3) | 32(45.1) | < 0.001 |
| Winter | 235(82.7) | 39(54.9) | ||
| Family size | less or equal to 5 | 172(60.7) | 22(31.0) | < 0.001 |
| Greater than or equal to 6 | 112(39.3) | 49(69.0) |