Factors associated with delayed health-seeking behaviour and disease severity on admission among patients diagnosed with acute encephalitis syndrome: an observational study from North India.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) poses a significant health challenge to children across India. Late arrival at tertiary care hospitals is a primary contributor to disease severity and poor outcomes. This study identifies the determinants of delayed health seeking and disease severity in AES cases.

Methods

We interviewed the parents/guardians/caregivers of 242 patients with AES admitted at a tertiary care centre. Multivariable analyses identified factors for delayed health seeking, defined as >3 days spent at home after symptom onset; and disease severity on admission, defined as need for oxygen support. 131 patients were evaluated for long-term outcomes after 3 years using the Liverpool Outcome Score.

Results

90 (37.2%) patients had delayed health seeki

SUBMITTER: Alam U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816327 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature