The Water Quality and Diarrhea Incidence in The Working Area of Health Center Wek I in Padangsidimpuan City

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea remains a major public health problem among toddlers in developing countries, including Indonesia. Poor household water quality contributes to diarrhea transmission through pathogenic microorganisms. The working area of Puskesmas Wek I Kota Padangsidimpuan continues to report high diarrhea incidence, highlighting the need to investigate this association.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the association between household water quality and diarrhea incidence among toddlers aged 12–59 months in the working area of Puskesmas Wek I Kota Padangsidimpuan.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 83 mothers of toddlers selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). The association was measured using the Prevalence Ratio (PR) and a 95% confidence interval.

Results: Most households (78.3%) used water that did not meet health standards, and 74.7% of toddlers had diarrhea. A significant association was found between water quality and diarrhea incidence (p = 0.013). Toddlers exposed to unsafe water had a higher likelihood of developing diarrhea (PR = 1.284; 95% CI: 0.869–1.896).

Conclusion: Household water quality is significantly associated with diarrhea among toddlers. Improving access to safe water, household water management, and environmental health interventions is essential to prevent diarrhea.