FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PNEUMONIA RISK AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN BATAM, INDONESIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of mortality among children under five years old in developing countries. Unhealthy household environments significantly contribute to the rising incidence of lower respiratory infections in this age group. This study aimed to identify the socio-demographic, environmental, and nutritional factors associated with pneumonia risk among under-five children in Batam, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 under-five children. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through bivariate (Chi-square) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Bivariate analysis indicated significant associations between pneumonia incidence and maternal education level (p = 0.034), child’s sex (p = 0.024), breastfeeding history (p = 0.013), and flooring material (p = 0.007). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that lower maternal education (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.13–0.79), male gender (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19–0.91), inadequate vitamin A intake (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.10–0.87), low birth weight (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.01–11.27), and non-standard flooring (AOR = 7.77, 95% CI = 1.91–31.55) were significantly associated with pneumonia occurrence. The study concludes that pneumonia risk among under-five children in Batam is influenced by maternal education, child’s sex, nutrition, birth weight, and household environment. Health interventions should prioritize maternal education and environmental sanitation as key preventive measures.