Provision of clean water facilities

Oct 13, 2025 by ludoplayers7.com 56 views

Introduction

Diarrhea is a serious health problem that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Toddlers are the most vulnerable group to diarrhea due to their immature immune system, making them more susceptible to the virus that causes diarrhea. Environmental sanitation and personal hygiene play a crucial role in preventing diarrhea, but the relationship between these factors and diarrhea incidents in toddlers is not well understood. This study aims to analyze the relationship between environmental sanitation and personal hygiene and diarrhea events in toddlers in the working area of the Hamparan Perak Health Center in 2023.

Background

Diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five, particularly in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diarrhea causes approximately 1.5 million deaths annually, with the majority of these deaths occurring in children under five. Environmental sanitation and personal hygiene are critical factors in preventing diarrhea, but the relationship between these factors and diarrhea incidents in toddlers is not well understood.

Methodology

This study uses a quantitative approach with an analytical design and cross-sectional method. The population in this study consisted of all mothers who have children under five aged 12 to 59 months in the Hamparan Perak Health Center. A total of 95 respondents were involved in this study using the purposive sampling method. Data analysis was carried out by univariate and bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square statistical test.

Results

The results of this study showed that of the 95 toddlers studied, as many as 53 toddlers (55.8%) had diarrhea in the last six months. Bivariate analysis shows a significant relationship between several sanitation and personal hygiene factors with the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers. Some of these factors include:

Provision of clean water facilities: The provision of clean water facilities was significantly related to the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers (p = 0.000).
Landfills: The presence of landfills was significantly related to the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers (p = 0.001).
Habit of washing the mother's hands with soap: The habit of washing the mother's hands with soap was significantly related to the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers (p = 0.000).
Storage of mature food: The storage of mature food was significantly related to the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers (p = 0.002).
Washing milk bottles: The washing of milk bottles was significantly related to the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers (p = 0.001).

However, the SPAL facilities (wastewater disposal system) (p = 0.775) and family toilets do not show significant relationships with diarrhea incidents in toddlers.

Discussion

The results of this study confirm the importance of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene in preventing diarrhea among toddlers. The provision of clean water facilities, landfills, habit of washing the mother's hands with soap, storage of mature food, and washing milk bottles are all critical factors in preventing diarrhea. The lack of significant relationship between SPAL facilities and family toilets with diarrhea incidents in toddlers suggests that these factors may not be as critical in preventing diarrhea.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the importance of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene in preventing diarrhea among toddlers. The application of effective prevention steps in the household environment will not only benefit the health of toddlers but will also support efforts to improve the quality of public health as a whole. Therefore, it is recommended that the Public Health Center (Puskesmas) can carry out sustainable health promotion on how to maintain environmental health and personal hygiene. Counseling activities in Posyandu or community-based activities that focus on health are very necessary to increase the awareness and skills of mothers in maintaining sanitation and cleanliness, so as to reduce the incidence of diarrhea among children under five.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Public Health Center (Puskesmas): Carry out sustainable health promotion on how to maintain environmental health and personal hygiene.
Counseling activities: Conduct counseling activities in Posyandu or community-based activities that focus on health to increase the awareness and skills of mothers in maintaining sanitation and cleanliness.
Household environment: Implement effective prevention steps in the household environment to prevent diarrhea among toddlers.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Data collection: The data collection method used in this study was cross-sectional, which may not capture the temporal relationship between environmental sanitation and personal hygiene and diarrhea incidents in toddlers.

Future Research

Future research should aim to:

Increase sample size: Increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the results.
Use longitudinal design: Use a longitudinal design to capture the temporal relationship between environmental sanitation and personal hygiene and diarrhea incidents in toddlers.
Explore other factors: Explore other factors that may contribute to the incidence of diarrhea among toddlers, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.

Q: What is the relationship between environmental sanitation and personal hygiene and diarrhea events in toddlers?

A: The results of this study show that there is a significant relationship between environmental sanitation and personal hygiene and diarrhea events in toddlers. The provision of clean water facilities, landfills, habit of washing the mother's hands with soap, storage of mature food, and washing milk bottles are all critical factors in preventing diarrhea.

Q: What are the most common causes of diarrhea in toddlers?

A: The most common causes of diarrhea in toddlers include:

Viral infections: Viral infections such as rotavirus and norovirus are common causes of diarrhea in toddlers.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections such as E. coli and Salmonella are also common causes of diarrhea in toddlers.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as poor sanitation and hygiene can also contribute to the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers.

Q: How can mothers prevent diarrhea in their toddlers?

A: Mothers can prevent diarrhea in their toddlers by:

Providing clean water facilities: Providing clean water facilities and ensuring that the water is safe for drinking.
Practicing good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene by washing hands regularly, especially before handling food.
Storing food properly: Storing food properly to prevent contamination.
Washing milk bottles: Washing milk bottles regularly to prevent contamination.

Q: What are the symptoms of diarrhea in toddlers?

A: The symptoms of diarrhea in toddlers include:

Frequent bowel movements: Frequent bowel movements, often with a loose or watery stool.
Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain or cramping.
Vomiting: Vomiting.
Dehydration: Dehydration, which can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, dark urine, and decreased urine output.

Q: How can mothers treat diarrhea in their toddlers?

A: Mothers can treat diarrhea in their toddlers by:

Providing plenty of fluids: Providing plenty of fluids, such as breast milk or formula, to prevent dehydration.
Using oral rehydration solutions: Using oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Resting: Resting the child to help their body recover.
Seeking medical attention: Seeking medical attention if the child's symptoms worsen or if they show signs of dehydration.

Q: What are the long-term effects of diarrhea in toddlers?

A: The long-term effects of diarrhea in toddlers can include:

Malnutrition: Malnutrition, which can lead to stunted growth and development.
Increased risk of infections: Increased risk of infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Decreased cognitive function: Decreased cognitive function, which can affect the child's ability to learn and develop.

Q: How can mothers prevent long-term effects of diarrhea in toddlers?

A: Mothers can prevent long-term effects of diarrhea in toddlers by:

Providing regular check-ups: Providing regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor the child's health and development.
Practicing good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and storing food properly.
Providing a balanced diet: Providing a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Encouraging physical activity: Encouraging physical activity, such as playing and running, to help the child develop strong muscles and bones.