THE ASSOCIATION OF WATER, SANITATION, DAN HYGIENE WITH HEIGHT-FOR-AGE Z-SCORES OF CHILDREN AGED 24-59 MONTHS LIVING BY DOWNSTREAM OF RIVER

Abstract

The low height-for-age can prevent children reaching their physical and cognitive potential. It is usually associated with poverty, chronic or recurrent undernutrition, poor maternal health, environment and nutrition. The downstream area of the river has a small slope characteristic and is used for various human activities such as source of household’s water and food, sanitation, and many others. This study aimed to determine association of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) and nutritional status (height-for-age z-scores) of children aged 24-59 Months Living by Downstream of Kuantan River. Cross sectional study was conducted among 72 children aged 24-59 months living by the downstream area. The height-for-age z-scores (HAZ Score) dan Weight-for-age z-score (WAZ Score) was assessed by anthropometric measurement while WaSH were measured by interview with their parents as well as observations of the household environment. The means of HAZ dan WAZ score were -1.1 ± 1.09 and -1.23±1.06 respectively. Lower HAZ scores were found in households that have inadequate water sources, unimproved sanitation and washing hands with soap after defecating (-1.41 vs -1.02; -1.78vs-1.04; -1.14 vs -1.08). Although descriptively WaSH may be a risk factor associated with the HAZ score, but statistically they are are not significant. WAZ score were correlated with HAZ Score (pvalue 0.001; r=0.58). Environmental conditions around the river can have an impact on children's health. Even though statistically WaSH is not related to HAZ scores, it is necessary to consider the potential for all three to become risk factors because the gap between groups is quite large.