Spatial analysis of NO2 and PM10 concentrations with the incidence of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI) in toddlers in Bandung City

Abstract

Introduction: The attention paid to the health risks associated with urban air pollution has grown in recent times. Several epidemiological studies have revealed a significant relationship between the air quality in urban regions and the incidence of respiratory issues. This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of NO₂ and PM₁₀ in Bandung City, and to propose measures to decrease the occurrence of ARI disease in Bandung City based on the findings of the spatial analysis.
Methods: In 2010, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in five health centers situated in the Bandung region. This study aimed to measure the levels of NO₂ and PM₁₀ in the air, as well as the incidence of respiratory illnesses in infants. The data collected from this study were assessed and depicted using the ArcView GIS software.
Results: The research findings revealed that the levels of NO₂ varied between PKM Ujungberung and PKM Kiaracondong, with an average of 0.07 mg/m³, while the PM₁₀ levels ranged from 0.20 μg/m³ at PKM Caringin to 0.43 μg/m³ at PKM Puter, with a mean content of 0.342 μg/m³. The second parameter PM₁₀ demonstrated its efficacy at PKM Ujungberung. Out of the sample of 350 respondents 166 (47.4%) reported experiencing Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), while 168 (52.6%) did not. The Chi-square test indicated no significant correlation between the high levels of NO₂ and the incidence of respiratory diseases in infants (p = 0.144), or between the PM₁₀ levels and the occurrence of respiratory diseases in infants (p = 0.132).
Conclusion: The findings from the Chi-square test suggest no substantial correlation between the concentrations of NO₂ and the incidence of respiratory diseases in children in Bandung. Additionally, no significant relationship was observed between the levels of PM₁₀ in the air and the occurrence of respiratory diseases in children. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that both NO₂ and PM₁₀ in Bandung City have the potential to be significant variables that affect the prevalence of ARI in children.