A dataset of video recordings for respiratory rate counting from chest wall movements in children aged below five years.

objectivesThis dataset was generated as part of a study aimed at developing a video expert panel (VEP) to serve as a reference standard for respiratory rate assessment in children under five years of age. The overarching goal was to improve the accuracy of diagnosing respiratory illnesses and to support the advancement of automated video-based methods for respiratory rate measurement. Children aged 0-59 months presenting with cough and/or difficulty breathing at different levels of healthcare facilities in Bangladesh were enrolled during 2021-2022. DATA DESCRIPTION: The dataset comprises 332 video recordings, each approximately 60 s in duration, documenting chest wall movements of participating children. All recordings were independently reviewed by members of a trained VEP, who determined respiratory rate using a standardized multi-reviewer process. Alongside the video files, a Stata (.dta) file provides structured metadata, including demographic information (age, sex), clinical variables (history and observation of cough and difficult breathing), and respiratory rate counts. This dataset is intended to support the development and validation of automated video-based diagnostic tools, training and standardization of health workers, and quality assurance initiatives. Its open-access availability fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and international research in pediatric respiratory diagnostics.