Determinants of Acute Respiratory Infection Among Children Under-Five Years in Indonesia

Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children under five years has been identified as a risk factor for child morbidity, leading to child mortality in Indonesia. Many factors may cause ARI; however, determinants associated with ARI remain unclear in Indonesia. Objectives: This study sought to analyze the determinants of ARI among children aged under five years in Indonesia. Methods: This study was cross-sectional and utilized secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). A total of 15,993 children under five years old were selected as respondents. Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression were used to examine the determinants of ARI among children under five years in Indonesia. Results: Children aged 1 year [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.04–1.97], children aged 2 years [OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.12–2.11], mother's occupation [OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01–2.154], poorest wealth index [OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.26–2.89], poor [OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.01–2.21], region of residence: Western Indonesia [OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.28–2.00], Middle of Indonesia [OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.44–3.33] were significantly associated with ARI among children under five years in Indonesia. Conclusions: This study revealed that the determinants of ARI among children under five years in Indonesia remain related to the socio-demographic aspect. This research highlighted that the family's and the living area's wealth index remains essential in improving children's health outcomes. Practice implications: Our findings support increasing awareness of the low-income family through adequate information and health promotion. Advancing the feasibility, accessibility, and affordability of health information and health services across all Indonesian regions should be strengthened.