Media Kesehatan Politeknik Kesehatan Makassar
Vol 21 No 1 (2026): Media Kesehatan

Household Air Pollution and Behavioral Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Infections in Toddlers: a Case-Control Study in Maros, Indonesia

Mulyadi Mulyadi (Department of Environmental Health, Makassar Ministry of Health Polytechnic)
La Taha La Taha (Department of Environmental Health, Makassar Ministry of Health Polytechnic)
Budirman Budirman (Department of Environmental Health, Makassar Ministry of Health Polytechnic)
Ronny Muntu (Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, West Sulawesi, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) remains a leading cause of morbidity among toddlers in Indonesia, with household environmental and behavioral factors playing a critical role in its transmission. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with ARI incidence among toddlers in the working area of the Bantimurung Community Health Center, Maros Regency. An analytical observational study with a case-control design was conducted involving 158 toddlers (79 cases and 79 controls). Data were collected through structured interviews and observation, and analyzed using binary logistic regression to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The results showed that four variables were significantly associated with ARI incidence: occupancy density (adjusted OR = 4.137; 95% CI: 1.893–9.040; p < 0.001), family members’ smoking habits (adjusted OR = 2.763; 95% CI: 1.289–5.925; p = 0.009), use of mosquito repellents (adjusted OR = 4.480; 95% CI: 2.045–9.818; p < 0.001), and personal hygiene (adjusted OR = 2.455; 95% CI: 1.154–5.224; p = 0.020). Nutritional status (p = 0.074) and immunization history (p = 1.000) were not statistically significant. The use of mosquito repellents was identified as the strongest risk factor, indicating that toddlers in households using mosquito repellents were 4.48 times more likely to develop ARI. Interventions should prioritize reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants, particularly from mosquito repellent combustion, and promoting smoke-free and hygienic household environments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medkes

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Environmental Science Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Jurnal Media Kesehatan Poltekkes Kemenkes Makassar adalah jurnal ilmiah yang dipublikasi oleh Unit Penelitian Poltekkes Kemenkes Makassar. Jurnal Media Kesehatan merupakan Jurnal Nasional yang diterbitkan dalam Bahasa Indonesia. Jurnal Media Kesehatan Poltekkes Kemenkes Makassar fokus pada ...