Assessment of the feasibility of modifying risk factors for acute respiratory infection in children under five years of age in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is a major cause of mortality in children under five years of age in Indonesia. Control of the risk factors for ARI can contribute to reducing its incidence. The key purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of modifying the risk factors for ARI in children under five years of age. -- This study used a cross sectional design. Convenience sampling was chosen as a strategy for sample selection; the sample consisted of 120 children who had a history of ARI. In this study, data were collected using five instruments developed based upon a review of the literature. Closed- and open-ended questions were used for data collection. -- Descriptive and inferential statistics using Fisher's Exact Test were used to analyze the data. Bivariate analysis results showed that the mother's education, the number of people sharing a bedroom, the kitchen design, exposure to kitchen smoke, and ventilation for the kitchen stoves were significant as risk factors for ARI in children under five years of age (p < .05). Based on the multivariate analysis results, only three risk factors were identified: the mother's education, hours the child was carried while the mother cooked, and ventilation for the stove (p < .05). Respondents identified that these risk factors could be modified by more health education and health promotion strategies, for example, health teaching for the participants on ways to reduce exposure to kitchen smoke, such as not carrying the child or improving ventilation. The results from this study can be used to target areas for parent education programs