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IoT Technology Helps Monitor Tuberculosis Risk in Indonesian Homes
Researchers from Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi have developed an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system designed to track environmental conditions inside the homes of tuberculosis (TB) patients. The study, conducted by Zunidra and Emilia Chandra and published in 2026 in the International Journal of Applied and Scientific Research (IJASR), focuses on monitoring humidity, lighting, and temperature—three environmental factors closely linked to TB transmission. The innovation offers a practical tool for improving household environmental health and supporting tuberculosis prevention efforts in communities with high disease burdens.
Tuberculosis remains one of Indonesia’s most persistent public health challenges. Although treatment programs have expanded nationwide, transmission continues to occur, particularly in household environments where ventilation, humidity, lighting, and temperature often fall below recommended health standards. Researchers believe that better monitoring of these environmental conditions can help reduce the risk of disease spread and support healthier living spaces for patients and their families.
Why Home Environments Matter in Tuberculosis Control
Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria spread through droplets released when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak. Environmental conditions inside homes can significantly influence how long the bacteria survive and how easily they spread.
Previous studies have shown that poor ventilation, excessive humidity, insufficient sunlight, and unstable room temperatures can create favorable conditions for TB transmission. In many parts of Indonesia, especially densely populated communities, these environmental factors remain common challenges.
The research team from Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi identified a need for a simple and affordable technology capable of continuously monitoring environmental conditions in homes occupied by TB patients. Their solution was an IoT-based system that automatically records environmental data and makes it available in real time through a web-based platform.
Building an IoT-Based Monitoring System
The researchers used a Research and Development (R&D) approach to design and test the monitoring technology.
The project was carried out in the working area of the Penyengat Olak Community Health Center in Muaro Jambi Regency, Indonesia. The development process involved:
- Identifying environmental monitoring needs in TB patients’ homes.
- Designing a sensor-based monitoring system.
- Developing and validating a working prototype.
- Testing the system with users and environmental observations.
The technology integrates environmental sensors capable of measuring:
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Lighting intensity
The sensors are connected to a microcontroller and a web-based platform that allows continuous monitoring and data storage. The system can also provide alerts when environmental conditions exceed recommended thresholds.
Key Findings from the Study
The researchers evaluated environmental conditions in the homes of 30 tuberculosis patients and found that many households did not meet basic environmental health standards.
Poor Lighting Conditions Were Common
The study found that:
- 60% of homes had lighting conditions that failed to meet health requirements.
- Only 40% of homes had adequate lighting.
Insufficient sunlight exposure can allow TB bacteria to survive longer indoors, increasing the risk of transmission.
Ventilation Problems Were Widespread
Ventilation emerged as one of the most significant concerns.
Researchers reported that:
- 73.34% of homes had ventilation areas below the recommended standard.
- Only 26.66% of homes met ventilation requirements.
Poor air circulation can increase the concentration of airborne pathogens indoors and contribute to disease spread.
High Humidity Levels Were Frequently Detected
The monitoring results showed:
- 60% of homes had humidity levels that did not meet recommended standards.
- 40% of homes maintained acceptable humidity conditions.
Excessive humidity can support bacterial survival and negatively affect respiratory health.
Temperature Conditions Also Fell Short
The study revealed that:
- 60% of homes had room temperatures outside recommended ranges.
- Only 40% of homes met acceptable temperature standards.
Uncomfortable temperature conditions may worsen respiratory symptoms and reduce indoor environmental quality.
Prototype Receives Strong Validation
The IoT-based monitoring system underwent evaluation by experts in health promotion, information technology, and community empowerment.
The validation team included:
- Dr. Toto Sudargo, M.Kes., Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
- Ahmad Fadhil N., B.Sc.IT., M.Sc., Ph.D. (c), Keluarga Bunda Jambi Health College.
- Dr. Hendriyanto, S.K.M., S.IP., M.Kes., community empowerment practitioner.
According to the evaluation, the monitoring system was considered suitable for environmental health surveillance and tuberculosis prevention programs.
A usability test involving users produced a feasibility score of 93.85%, placing the technology in the “very feasible” category. Participants reported that the system was easy to understand and operate.
Potential Impact on Public Health
The researchers believe the technology could strengthen community-based tuberculosis prevention efforts by enabling continuous monitoring of environmental risk factors.
The system offers several practical advantages:
- Real-time monitoring of household conditions.
- Historical environmental data storage.
- Early warning notifications when conditions become unsafe.
- Web-based access for healthcare workers and families.
- Support for evidence-based public health interventions.
By providing continuous environmental information, healthcare providers may be able to identify risk factors earlier and recommend corrective actions before transmission occurs.
The technology could also help community health centers improve environmental surveillance and educate households about maintaining healthy living conditions.
Research Insight
According to Zunidra and Emilia Chandra of Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi, integrating humidity, lighting, and temperature sensors into a web-based IoT system creates a practical tool for monitoring environmental factors associated with tuberculosis transmission. The researchers emphasize that prevention strategies should not focus solely on treatment but also on reducing environmental conditions that facilitate disease spread.
Author Profiles
Zunidra
- Academic Affiliation: Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi, Indonesia
- Field of Expertise: Public Health, Environmental Health, Tuberculosis Prevention
- Role: Lead Researcher and Corresponding Author
Emilia Chandra
- Academic Affiliation: Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi, Indonesia
- Field of Expertise: Health Technology, Community Health, Environmental Monitoring
- Role: Co-Researcher
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