Objective: To estimate the prevalence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) during the two weeks previous to the interview among children <5 years of age and to describe the frequency of identification of alarm signs by parents or caregivers (PC).
Materials and methods: Analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys 2012 and 2006 and of National Health Survey 2000.
Results: ARI prevalence decreased from 2006 to 2012 (47.0-44.8%), particularly in the lower socioeconomic strata and children <1 year of age. 2012 Survey revealed highest prevalence for <1 year children. Fever was the main pneumonia-associated alarm sign (28.6%) in contrast to "breathes rapidly" (10.2%) or "unable to breathe" (20.9%).
Conclusions: Results show that the magnitude of the problem has decreased in recent years, mainly among the more vulnerable groups, such as smaller children and those belonging to the lowest socioeconomic strata. However, training is required, particularly at the community level.