Determinant Factors of Acute Respiratory Infections in Toddlers in Palembang

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is a public health problem in Indonesia, especially among children under five years, including in Palembang, and ranks third highest in Palembang. This study aimed to analyze the determinant factors for the incidence of ARI in toddlers. This research is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. The sample size was 106 respondents, and were taken randomly. Data was collected through interviews using a checklist and observations at the respondent's home, and analyzed univariately, the chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression. The univariate results showed that the incidence of ARI was found in 42 toddlers (39.6%), with a low level of maternal education (56.6%), and mothers not working (82.1%), and the age group of children less than 3 years old (55.7%) with female gender (58.5%). The physical environmental conditions of the house did not meet health requirements, namely lighting (62.3%), humidity (80.2%), room temperature (76.4%), ventilation area (86.8%), rental house status (67.9%), and residential density (79.2%). The chi-square test related to incidence of ARI, namely the mother's age (p value = 0.0047), the gender of the toddler (p value = 0.029), and lighting in the house (p value = 0.0005), which were the most dominant factors in determining ARI. Conclusion: The incidence of ARI in toddlers is caused by the mother's age, the toddler's gender, and the lighting in the house.