ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MATERNAL HYGIENE BEHAVIOUR AND AVAILABILITY OF CLEAN WATER SOURCES WITH THE INCIDENCE OF DIARRHOEA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE.

Abstract

Diarrhea disease is one of the major health problems in developing countries, and the cause of death, especially
in children under five. Based on statistical data in 2021, the incidence of diarrhea in Lubuklinggau City is among the
top 5 diseases suffered by the local community. Poor maternal hygiene behavior and lack of availability of clean water
sources can be a factor in the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers. The study aims to determine the relationship between
maternal hygiene behavior and the availability of clean water sources with the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers in the
Megang Health Center Working Area, North District II, Lubuklinggau City. The research was quantitative using a
cross sectional study approach. The sample used was 84 respondents, and was determined by purposive sampling.
Data collection techniques using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The results showed
there was a relationship between mother's education (p-value = 0.037) mother's hygiene behavior (p-value = 0.000)
with the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers, while mother's age (p-value = 0.908), mother's work (p-value = 0.408), and
the availability of clean water sources (p-value = 0.244) had no relationship with the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers.
It was concluded that the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers in the Megang Health Center Working Area, North
Subdistrict II, Lubuklinggau City was influenced by the mother's education level and hygiene behavior. It is
recommended that education about hand washing with soap and running water and the application of the 6 steps of
hand washing.