HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DENGAN PERILAKU IBU DALAM MELAKUKAN PENCEGAHAN ISPA PADA BALITA DI UPT PUSKESMAS SINGKAWANG TIMUR II TAHUN 2024

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are a significant public health issue, especially among toddlers, and can lead to mortality if not managed properly. Preventing ARI relies heavily on the knowledge and behavior of mothers in caring for toddlers. Maternal knowledge about ARI prevention is crucial, as parental roles, particularly mothers, are essential in preventing and managing ARI in toddlers (Aarthun et al., 2019). Amelia & Ardiansyah (2022) found that knowledge influences family behavior in ARI prevention in children. Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal knowledge and behavior in preventing ARI in toddlers at UPT Puskesmas Singkawang Timur II in 2024. Methods: This study employed a quantitative associative approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 30 participants, and data analysis was performed using Spearman Rank test. Results: Half of the respondents had inadequate knowledge, with 14 respondents (46.7%) falling into this category. Less than half of the respondents exhibited poor preventive behavior, with 12 respondents (40%) in this category. The Spearman Rank test yielded a p-value of 0.000 and an r-value of 0.798. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between maternal knowledge and behavior in preventing ARI in toddlers at UPT Puskesmas Singkawang Timur II in 2024. Better knowledge is associated with better preventive behavior. Recommendation: The health center should implement continuous educational programs focusing on enhancing maternal knowledge about ARI prevention, using methods that are easy to understand and relevant to mothers with varying educational backgrounds. The community should also be more proactive in seeking information from health workers regarding ARI prevention by actively participating in health counseling and seminars.
Keywords: Knowledge, Behavior, ARI Prevention, Toddlers