Mapping Climate and Air Quality Risks for Acute Respiratory Infections in Eastern Priangan, Indonesia

Climate change has become a significant public health concern, particularly through its influence on air quality and the incidence of respiratory diseases. Variations in temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind speed have been shown to exacerbate health vulnerabilities, especially in climate-sensitive regions. This study examines the relationship between climatic parameters, air quality, and respiratory disease admissions in East Priangan, Indonesia, using observational data from 2022 to 2023. Findings reveal a distinct increase in respiratory infections during periods of climatic extremes—specifically, high rainfall and temperature during September–November (SON) 2022, and low rainfall and temperature from July to October 2023. Although air quality in the region generally meets national standards, the Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated during prolonged dry periods, correlating with a rise in hospital admissions for respiratory illness. Children were identified as the most affected age group, emphasizing the demographic sensitivity to environmental change. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of respiratory disease risks, shaped by both direct and indirect effects of climate variability. The study recommends integrated mitigation strategies that combine engineering measures, healthcare preparedness, and local government action to address future climate-related health risks.