The Relationship Between Ventilation and Housing Density and Acute Respiratory Infections Among Toddlers at Punti Kayu Health Center

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) remain a significant health problem among toddlers at Punti Kayu Health Center, Palembang. Housing environmental conditions, including housing density and ventilation, may contribute to the occurrence of ARI among toddlers. The prevalence of ARI at Punti Kayu Health Center in 2024 reached 58.8%. The number of ARI cases among children aged 1–4 years also increased over the past three years, from 47 cases in 2022 to 53 cases in 2023 and 64 cases in 2024. Based on these conditions, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between housing environmental factors and the incidence of ARI among toddlers.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between ventilation and housing density and the incidence of ARI among toddlers at Punti Kayu Health Center, Palembang.

Method: This quantitative study used a cross-sectional approach and was conducted from May 22 to June 10, 2025. The study population consisted of all visits by parents of toddlers seeking treatment at Punti Kayu Health Center in 2024, totaling 255 respondents, with a sample of 72 toddlers. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results: The analysis showed a significant relationship between housing density and the incidence of ARI among toddlers (p < 0.05) and between ventilation and the incidence of ARI among toddlers (p < 0.05). Based on the statistical analysis, the p-values for housing density and ventilation were reported as 0.00, respectively.

Conclusion: There were significant relationships between housing density and ventilation and the incidence of ARI among toddlers at Punti Kayu Health Center, Palembang. Housing density and ventilation should be considered as part of efforts to prevent ARI among toddlers. Further studies are recommended to involve larger sample sizes and consider additional environmental and behavioral factors.

Keywords: Acute respiratory infections, toddlers, ventilation, housing density