| dc.description.abstract | Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the major public health problems in the working area of the Tanjung Pasir Community Health Center. Open burning of household waste remains the dominant method of waste disposal due to the absence of a structured waste collection system and limited community awareness of environmentally friendly waste-management practices. This condition increases exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2,5), which has been widely documented as a risk factor for respiratory diseases. This study aims to analyze the relationship between maternal knowledge, open waste-burning practices, and PM,5 levels with the incidence of ARI among households. This quantitative research applied a cross-sectional design and involved 97 housewives selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to assess knowledge and burning practices, and PM2.5 concentrations were measured using a Portable Air Quality Detector in respondents’ living environments. The data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the chi-square test. The results show a significant association between maternal knowledge and the incidence of ARI (p = 0,015), indicating that inadequate knowledge elevates the risk of exposure to air pollutants and reduces the adoption of preventive behaviors. Although the practice of open waste burning was not statistically associated with ARI (p > 0,05), it still poses potential long-term environmental and health risks depending on the frequency of burning and wind direction. Additionally, this study found a significant association between PM2,5 levels and the incidence of ARI (p = 0,012), reinforcing evidence that high airborne particulate concentrations substantially contribute to respiratory health problems within households. Strengthening environmental health education and improving waste-management systems are necessary to reduce the risk of ARI in the community. | en_US |
