The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence of ARI in school children and their related risk factors. This cross- sectional study was conducted in Sohag and Qena governorates, Upper Egypt. A questionnaire was presented to
randomly selected students. The questionnaire consisted of two domains to find the prevalence of ARI and to examine
their potential risk factors. The prevalence of ARI in school children was 44.86%. Common symptoms were runny
nose (39.49%), cough (38.95%), fever (32.17%) and sore throat (27.93%). The associated risk factors were young
age, urban residence, passive smoking, exposure to infection, parents’ education, overcrowding, family history of
allergy or asthma, no special place for kitchen, absence of window in bedroom, absence of smoke outlet and presence
of pets in the house. There was no significant relation between gender, building or floor material and type of fuel used
and risk of ARI. In conclusion, ARI infection is an important health problem in school children. Many environmental
factors were associated with increased risk of ARI. Improvement of kitchen facilities, proper ventilation of houses
and school classes and housing environment and health education on the preventive measure of ARI may help in
reduction of ARI infection among school children.