“Effectiveness of Planned Nursing Interventions on Health Status Among Children with Bronchopneumonia Admitted at Pravara Rural Hospital Loni Maharashtra.”

Abstract

Background: Pediatric respiratory illnesses remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with pneumonia accounting for a substantial proportion of deaths in children fewer than five years of age. There is a growing need for effective, child-friendly, non-pharmacological interventions to complement standard medical treatment. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post-test study was conducted among 250 children aged 3 to 5 years diagnosed with bronchopneumonia in the pediatric ward of Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital. Participants were equally divided into two groups: Group I (control) received standard care, and Group II (intervention) received structured respiratory hygiene techniques—including breathing exercises, balloon blowing, and the "Candle and Flower" activity—administered in addition to standard care. Interventions were delivered using a standardized protocol. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups, with greater changes in the intervention group. Respiratory rate declined from 44.62 to 31.76 in Group II and from 42.36 to 30.70 in Group I. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) improved from 95.46 to 98.46 in Group II and from 95.58 to 97.88 in Group I. Group II showed significantly better airway clearance by day 3 (p = 0.018) and day 5 (p < 0.0001). The average hospital stay was shorter in Group II (7.30 ± 1.12 days) compared to Group I (9.89 ± 0.82 days, p = 0.0001). Group II also experienced fewer complications and better clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Respiratory hygiene interventions are effective, acceptable, and easy- to-implement adjuncts that improve clinical outcomes in children with bronchopneumonia.