Study of Clean Water and Sanitation Access and Its Relationship to Waterborne and Stunting Prevalence in Bandung Regency

Abstract

Water and proper sanitation access in Bandung Regency has not covered all population. Lack of availability of water and sanitation is certainly related to public health. This research was conducted to identify clean water access in terms of quality, quantity, and continuity as well as sanitation access in Bandung Regency, and then to determine its relationship to waterborne diseases and stunting prevalence. The study was conducted in three locations representing domestic, agricultural, and industrial areas. The study collected 33 water samples for physical and microbial analysis, and questionnaires to 75 household respondents about the waterborne disease and stunting prevalence, household income levels, hygiene behaviour, mother's education, and birth weight. The results showed clean water quality differences in those areas for parameters Total Coliform (p=0,051), temperature (p=0,044), and pH (p=0,002) as well as differences of wastewater system types (p=0,002). Factors namely clean water quantity and continuity, personal hygiene, and household income level have an association with waterborne diseases prevalence (PR>1). Whereas stunting is associated with sanitation access, personal hygiene, household income level, mother's education, and children's birth weight (PR>1). However, only household income level has significant relationship with stunting (p=0,005; PR=4.0; 95% CI=1.33-12). These factors should be improved to prevent waterborne disease and stunting children in the community.