Prevalence of symptomatic respiratory cases in the Peruvian population aged 15 years and above: secondary analysis of the demographic and family health survey, 2013-2015

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic respiratory (SR) cases in the Peruvian population aged 15 years and over between 2013 and 2015. A secondary analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) was carried out. The subjects of the study were people aged 15 years and over who answered these interview questions: Do you currently have a cough with phlegm? How long have you had a cough with phlegm? People who had had a cough and phlegm for 15 days or more were defined as having SR. The prevalence of SR was 3.3% in 2013 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.8-3.9%), 3.8% in 2014 (95% CI: 3.5-4.1%), and 3.3% in 2015 (95% CI: 3.0-3.6%). The prevalence of SR was greater than 5% in people aged 60 years and over, in people in the poorest quintile, and in residents of rural areas. We conclude that 3-4% of Peruvian people aged 15 years and over report cough with phlegm for ≥15 days. The proportion with SR varies according to the region of the country. It is recommended that the expected number of symptomatic SR cases be assessed and that Peruvian healthcare be adjusted as necessary.