International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) Vol.6, No.2, June 2017, pp. 118~125 ISSN: 2252-8806, DOI: 10.11591/.v6i2.6641  118 Journal homepage: https://www.iaescore.com/journals/index.php/IJPHS Early Weaning Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Infections Eni Folendra Rosa, Gunardi Pome, D. Harsanto Nursing Department of Baturaja, Polytechnic of Health Palembang, Indonesia Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: Received Apr 3, 2017 Revised May 27, 2017 Accepted Jun 9, 2017 Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) still a health problem in the world resulting in high mortality and morbidity. Every year 13 million children under five died, 95% of deaths occur in developing countries and 4.5 million deaths due to respiratory infection. Takes effort and hard work to reduce mortality of children under five are caused by ARIs. ARIs episodes in children under five in the world generally between 3-8 times every year. Breast milk is a natural nutrient that contain IgA (SIgA), IgE, IgM, IgG, lactoferin, lysozyme, vitamin A, C and E. SIgA generated broncho mammary and α2--microglobulin substances that protect against syncytial virus and inhibit and lowering the risk of infection with Haemophilus influenzae contained in the mouth and nose. Babies who are not breastfed full or partial ARIs at greater risk due to lack of intake of protective substances in the breast milk. The incidence of acute respiratory diseases are at highest order resulting morbidity and mortality of children in the district OKU in 2014 amounted to 52.2% and increased by 53% in 2015. Unmatched case control study with a quantitative approach, the study subjects children aged 6-24 months. Data analysis using Stata program consists of univariable, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression with 95% CI. Significant relationship with ARIs early weaning (OR = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.08 - 6.83). The average episode of ARIs was 2.8 times every year. Early weaning increase risk of ARIs in children 6-24 months. Keyword: Early Weaning Acute Respiratory Infections Children Ages 6 to 24 Months Copyright © 2017 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved. Corresponding Author: Eni Folendra Rosa, Nursing Department of Baturaja, Polytechnic of Health Palembang. Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 652 Baturaja 32112, South Sumatera, Indonesia Email: enifrosa@gmail.com 1. INTRODUCTION Acute respiratory infections ARIs called the forgotten pandemic, consists of pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis, measles and pertussis, and is still a major health problem because 19% of the causes of death and illness in the world. Every year there are 13 million children under five died, 95% of under five deaths occur in developing countries and one third due to respiratory infection [1]-[4]. Episodes of ARIs in infants differ generally occurs 3-6 times a year depending on the seriousness of the disease, in developed countries and developing countries are different than the etiology and risk factors were also influenced by demographic and sociocultural [1]. Case fatality rate of ARIs in infants is higher in developing countries compared to developed countries [5]. Overall incidence of ARIs in the developed and developing countries is almost equal to the average episodes in children 4-8 times every year, whereas in Indonesia episode ISPA is 3-6 times every year. Mother's milk is a natural drink for newborns in the first month of life [6]. Babies who are not breastfed or breastfed partially filled with susceptible to respiratory diseases and diarrhea [1],[7]. Risk infants who are not breastfed get a full or partial breastfeeding on the incidence of death from respiratory diseases 3.27 times greater than with exclusive breastfeeding while other researchers reported the risk of 2.23 times