The Relationship between Physical Conditions of the House, Exposure to Cigarette Smoke, and Mother's Knowledge of the Incidence of Pneumonia in Toddlers

Abstract

Pneumonia is an acute lower respiratory tract infection which is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the physical condition of the house, exposure to cigarette smoke, and maternal knowledge with the incidence of pneumonia in toddlers in the Serang City Community Health Center working area. Using a case-control design, the sample consisted of 42 cases and 42 controls (1:1). The results of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between the incidence of pneumonia in toddlers and room ventilation area (p-value 0.002), humidity (p-value 0.079), exposure to cigarette smoke (p-value 0.000), maternal knowledge (p-value 0.009). From this research, it is hoped that the public can increase knowledge about the causes and prevention of pneumonia in toddlers, especially related to the physical condition of the home, and change smoking behavior.