The Effect of Household Drinking Water Quality on the Incidence of Toddler Diarrhea in Densely Populated

Miskha Syafa; Adrenalin Faysazahra

doi:10.37899/mjdh.v2i4.292

Authors

Miskha Syafa Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas
Adrenalin Faysazahra Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37899/mjdh.v2i4.292

Keywords:

Child Health, Drinking Water Quality, Environmental Health, Public Health, Toddler Diarrhea

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between household drinking water quality and the incidence of toddler diarrhea in densely populated areas of Manado City, Indonesia. A quantitative cross-sectional approach was employed involving 500 households with children under five years of age. Data were collected through household surveys, laboratory-based water quality testing, and validation using local health facility records. The findings reveal that households relying on groundwater wells experienced significantly higher levels of microbial contamination, particularly Escherichia coli, compared with households using piped water systems. Toddler diarrhea incidence was substantially higher among households consuming untreated water and those dependent on contaminated groundwater sources. Statistical analysis confirmed that water source and household water treatment practices were significant predictors of diarrhea occurrence. The findings contribute to environmental health literature and provide evidence for strengthening water safety interventions, sanitation improvement programs, and community-based public health strategies aimed at reducing childhood waterborne diseases in rapidly urbanizing cities.

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