Published in PLOS One on 2026-09-24, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Tekle Gebremeskel Ygzaw, Teklewoini Mariye Zemicheal, Gebreamlak Gebremedhn Gebremeskel, Teklebrhan Welderufael Kidane, Berhe Gebrehiwot Tewele, Ngsti Gebremicheal Beyene, Guesh Teklu Woldemariam, Nebiat Desale Gidey, Gebremedhn Sibhat Weldegebrieal, Geberziher Geberslassie Weleargay, Birhanu Kassie Reta, Binyam Gebrehiwet Tesfay, Kahsu Gebrekidan
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0358705
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Globally, pneumonia is a major cause of illness and death in children, with over 1,400 cases per 100,000 children each year. In sub-Saharan Africa, pneumonia is responsible for approximately 172 deaths per 1,000 live births. Ethiopia has the fifth highest mortality rate from pneumonia among children under five, especially severe community-acquired pneumonia. In Ethiopia, there are limited prospective follow-up studies on time to recovery and its predictors among pediatric patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. However, no prospective follow-up study conducted on time to recovery and its predictors among pediatric patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia admitted to public general hospitals of Tigray.
A prospective follow-up study was conducted among 305 children using consecutive sampling to select the study participants from December 20, 2024, to February 20, 2025. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.7 and then exported to STATA version 14 for further statistical analysis. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to estimate recovery time. Both bivariable and multivariable Cox regression models were applied to analyze the data. Finally, the results were reported with 95% confidence intervals, and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
The recovery rate among pediatric patients was 85.2%, with a median recovery time of 5 days. The overall incidence of recovery rate was 16.30 per 100 person days observation (95% CI: 14.43–18.40). Being rural residence (AHR = 0.69;95%CI (0.53–0.90), late presenter to seeking care (AHR = 0.56; 95% CI (0.35–0.88), absence of danger sign (AHR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.07–2.05)), absence of comorbidity (AHR = 3.02; 95% CI: 2.15–4.22) and not receiving oxygen therapy (AHR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.20–2.41), were significant predictors.
The median recovery time of patients was considerably high. Rural residence, late presentation for care, absence of danger signs, absence of comorbidity, and not receiving oxygen therapy were statistically significant predictors of recovery time.
Introduction
According to the WHO, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children is a lung infection that develops outside a hospital. Children with CAP typically present with coughing, breathing difficulties, rapid breathing rates, chest indrawing, and are diagnosed within 48 hours of hospitalization [1,2].
Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) can be defined as CAP plus at least one of the following: Oxygen saturation <90%, general danger signs, severe respiratory distress, central cyanosis; or stridor in a calm child, increased respiratory rate (RR > 50 b/ minute) in children aged two months to 12 months, and RR > 40 b/ minute in children aged 12 months to 59 months, RR > 30/ min in children aged 60 months and above [3,4].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider hospital systems desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Tekle Gebremeskel Ygzaw, Teklewoini Mariye Zemicheal, Gebreamlak Gebremedhn Gebremeskel, Teklebrhan Welderufael Kidane, Berhe Gebrehiwot Tewele, Ngsti Gebremicheal Beyene, Guesh Teklu Woldemariam, Nebiat Desale Gidey, Gebremedhn Sibhat Weldegebrieal, Geberziher Geberslassie Weleargay, Birhanu Kassie Reta, Binyam Gebrehiwet Tesfay, Kahsu Gebrekidan. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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