Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARIs) in Toddlers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze factors associated with the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection ARIs among under-five children in the working area of the Gunung Jati Community Health Center, Cirebon District, Indonesia.MethodsA quantitative analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 130 under-five children selected using simple random sampling. The independent variables were nutritional status, immunization status, and household cigarette smoke exposure, while ARIs  incidence was the dependent variable. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression.ResultsMultivariate analysis  Nutritional status (AOR = 0.123; p = 0.001), immunization status (AOR = 0.058; p = 0.005), and household cigarette smoke exposure (AOR = 0.015; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with ARI. Household cigarette smoke exposure was the strongest factor associated with ARIs.  incidence among under-five children.DiscussionNutritional status, immunization status, and household cigarette smoke exposure were significant factors associated with ARIs.  Adequate nutrition and complete immunization reduced ARIs.   risk, while cigarette smoke exposure increased it. Strengthening nutrition, immunization, and smoke-free home practices may help prevent ARIs  in children.ConclusionImproving nutritional status, increasing immunization coverage, and promoting smoke-free home environments may contribute to reducing ARI incidence in this population.KeywordsAcute respiratory infections, immunization, nutrition, smoking behavior, toddlers