Incidence and prevalence of non-specific symptoms and behavioural changes in infants under the age of two years.

BACKGROUND

The incidence and prevalence of non-specific symptoms in a group of normally healthy infants have not previously been investigated. The relationship of such symptoms to the risk of sudden unexplained infant death has been explored.

AIM

This study set out to assess the usually unreported minor morbidity occurring in infants under the age of two years in a defined community.

METHOD

Diary cards were completed by mothers for 323 infants on a daily basis for up to two years from birth. Analysis of the diary card data allowed the incidence and prevalence of behavioural changes and non-specific symptoms to be determined, together with the duration of the episodes of symptoms and the frequency and timing of consultations with health visitors and doctors.

RESULTS

Non-specific symptoms and behavioural changes occurred commonly in this age group. Upper respiratory symptoms were especially prevalent. Episodes of symptoms relating to particular body systems tended to be of longer duration while behavioural changes tended to be of shorter duration. Parents managed 67% to 99% of infants' health problems without requiring a consultation. Parents often delayed four or five days before consulting their doctor for symptoms in conditions which could be judged to be 'normal' for the child such as some respiratory conditions, but behavioural changes and fever led to consultations on the second day on average.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of the symptoms reported here should provide the setting for any discussion of their use as indicators of serious illness in infancy or the risk of sudden unexplained infant death.