THERMAL COMFORT LEVELS AMONG STUDENTS DURING LEARNING ACTIVITIES IN LECTURE ROOM OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE UDAYANA UNIVERSITY 2025

Abstract

Thermal comfort in lecture rooms plays a crucial role in supporting learning process. Thermal conditions affect the body’s thermoregulatory system, which influences alertness, concentration, and cognitive performance. However, determining the ideal thermal condition remains challenging due to the concept of comfort is a subjective individual response and difficult to define. This study aims to describe and analyze both objective and subjective thermal comfort levels during students’ learning activities in lecture room of the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University. This study, approved under Ethical Clearance No. 1298/UN14.2.2.VII.14/LT/2025, is descriptive quantitative research with an observational cross-sectional design. Thermal comfort levels were analyzed based on environmental measurements and subjective data by point in time survey questionnaire from 104 respondents. Respondents were selected using simple random sampling from students attending on May 26, 2025. The study results showed that in Lecture Room 4.01, the mean air humidity was 59.18%, air temperature 23,57 ^oC, and air velocity 0.9 m/s. Thermal comfort was reported by 82.7% respondents, representing 86.7% of room occupants, with an acceptance (72.2%). A total of 54.8% of respondents preferred a cooler temperature, while 51.9% preferred greater air movement. All respondents had an activity level of 1.1 met and clothing insulation between 0.5-1 clo, with the highest thermal comfort achieved among those with 0.5 clo. The mean air humidity and air temperature in Lecture Room 4.01 met the Indonesian National Standard for comfort. Subjectively, thermal comfort was achieved, with 82.7% thermal comfort reports as defined by the ANSI/ASHRAE thermal sensation scale standard.