Relationship Between Physical Environmental Conditions and Airborne Bacterial Counts in Dormitory Rooms

Abstract

Background, Elevated airborne bacterial counts indoors are associated with a range of health complaints, including headache, cough, shortness of breath, and typhoid fever. This study is important because the physical environmental factors involved often fail to meet health-based requirements. Research Aims, This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical environmental conditions and airborne bacterial counts in student dormitory rooms in Muara Jekak Village, Southeast Pontianak. Research Method, An analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on a total sample of 24 dormitory rooms. Data were collected through direct observation, respondent interviews, and laboratory testing of air-germ samples, and were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation and Pearson product-moment correlation. Findings of the results reveal that significant relationships were found between temperature (p = 0.047; r = 0.409), humidity (p = 0.014; r = 0.495), and lighting (p = 0.002; r = -0.597) and airborne bacterial counts in the dormitory rooms studied. No significant relationship was found for room cleanliness or occupant density. Renovation of the dormitory building - particularly the addition of windows to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure - is recommended to create a healthier living environment