The Relationship between Home Physical Environment Factors, and Human Demographic Factors with the Incidence of Pneumonia in Toddlers Living in the Working Area of the East Tegal Health Center

Pneumonia is one of the leading death causes of children under five years worldwide, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the relationship between home physical environmental factors and demographic or individual characteristics observed in the field, with the incidence of pneumonia among under-fives in the Tegal Timur Health Center working area. The factors analyzed included temperature, air humidity, natural lighting, PM2.5, and PM10 particle levels, occupancy density, ventilation area, wall and floor types, age and gender of toddlers, and occupation and education of parents. The method used a cross-sectional design, with data collected through direct observation and interviews with the parents. Results: A total of 155 under-fives participated, of whom 12 were diagnosed with pneumonia. Common symptoms of pneumonia in children under five years of age included cough, fever, and shortness of breath, with some experiencing nausea. Most under-fives did not undergo full diagnostic tests. Significant associations were found between pneumonia and symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, and nausea), diagnostic tests (sputum, blood, and X-ray), and floor type. Physical house factors such as temperature, humidity, and natural lighting were not significant. The demographic factors found in the field were also insignificant for the incidence of pneumonia in under-five. Conclusion: The study found that floor type significantly affected the incidence of pneumonia. Improving home environmental conditions and health behaviors is crucial for reducing pneumonia among toddlers in the Tegal Timur Health Center area. Thus, holistic interventions are required.