ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN INDOOR AIR QUALITY PARAMETERS AND RESPIRATORY AND ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN IN CHILDCARE CENTRES

Introduction: Children attending childcare centres are particularly vulnerable to indoor environmental exposures. However evidence on indoor air quality (IAQ) in Malaysian childcare settings remains limited. This study assessed IAQ characteristics, evaluated respiratory and allergic symptoms among children and examined the linked between IAQ parameters and health outcomes. Methods: The cross-sectional investigation was carried out in fifteen (15) childcare centres. IAQ was evaluated using parameters such as temperature, relative humidity (RH), air movement, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), total volatile organic compound (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO₂) were measured using standardised instruments. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine associations between IAQ parameters and health outcome while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) explored IAQ patterns across childcare centres. Results and Discussion: PM_2.5, CO₂, TVOC, and air movement generally complied with IAQ acceptable limits, whereas temperature and RH frequently exceeded the recommended ranges. Respiratory symptoms particularly wheezing (32.9%) and allergic symptoms including rhinitis (40.6%) were commonly reported. PM_2.5 concentrations was significantly associated with respiratory symptoms scores (p < 0.037) while parental smoking exposure was also identified as a significant factor. No significant associations were observed for allergic symptoms. PCA and HCA demonstrated variability in IAQ profiles across childcare centres. Conclusion: Although most IAQ parameters complied with guideline limits, thermal comfort issues were frequently observed. The findings provide preliminary evidence that PM_2.5 exposure and parental smoking may be associated with respiratory symptoms among children in childcare settings.