Analisis Emisi PM 2.5 dan Keluhan Saluran Pernapasan pada Balita di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Kesatria Kota Pematangsiantar Tahun 2025

Abstract

This study is a descriptive quantitative study that aims to analyze the characteristics of toddlers, family habits, and exposure to PM2.5 emissions on respiratory complaints in toddlers in the working area of the Kesatria Community Health Center in Pematangsiantar City. Data were collected through questionnaires to 93 mothers of toddlers and air quality measurements using the DustTrak Aerosol Monitor TSI Model 8532 at three locations. The results showed two points that exceeded the PM2.5 threshold, namely 180µg/m³ at a distance of 200 meters and 119µg/m³ at a distance of 300 meters from the cigarette factory. As many as 80% of toddlers experienced respiratory complaints, with coughing reported in 92 toddlers, sneezing in 93 toddlers, sore throat in 41 toddlers (rarely) and 43 toddlers (never), and shortness of breath in only 3 toddlers with low frequency. The most influential variables include the age of the toddler, not receiving exclusive breastfeeding, the distance of the house close to the cigarette factory, the habit of smoking inside the house, the use of mosquito coils, and the habit of burning garbage. This study shows that PM2.5 exposure and family behavior contribute to respiratory complaints in toddlers.