Objective The risk factors for respiratory infections in children were analyzed in different studies realized in different countries, but they are variable according to the geographical area. Our goal was to analyze this factors in babies who presented more than 3 episode of respiratory infection in the first year after birth.

Methods We undertook a retrospective study on 230 babies who were hospitalized because of respiratory infections, at least 3 times a year in the general pediatric department. The study excluded premature babies, and children with underlying immune diseases or biological problems.

We analyzed the following socioeconomic factors: type of family, standard of life, ethnic origin, family income, education background of the mother, number of siblings and smoking habits of the parents.

Results 78% of the respiratory infections had bacterial complications and more than 3 recurrences were correlated with the low income of the family (unemployed, Roma ethnical origin).

In 15% of cases, all risk factors were identified for the same patient. They have been correlated with the high number of hospitalizations in the first year of life (more than 6), and with the abandonment of the child in the hospital in 2% of cases.

Conclusion The identification of the socioeconomic risk factors for each hospitalized child may reduce the risk of subsequent illnesses, by the intervention of the social assistance services.