The Influence of Hygiene and Sanitation Behavior and Social Capital on the Incidence of Diarrhea in Toddlers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v8i5.2132Keywords:
diarrhea, sanitation hygiene, social capital, toddlersAbstract
Diarrheal disease among children under five remains a critical public health challenge, significantly contributing to early childhood morbidity and mortality due to behavioral and socio-environmental determinants. This research evaluates how hygiene practices and community social capital affect the occurrence of diarrhea among toddlers in Lamongan Regency. Utilizing an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional framework, the study sampled 339 mothers of children aged 0 to 59 months from the Solokuro and Paciran Districts via systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability, demonstrating excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.915) and evaluated using Chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests (α = 0.05). The findings demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between diarrheal episodes and both sanitation hygiene practices (p = 0.000) and social capital (p = 0.000). Multivariate analysis identified sanitation hygiene as the primary determining factor (B = 1.828; p = 0.000), with social capital serving as a significant secondary predictor (B = 0.464; p = 0.042). Both hygiene behaviors and community social capital play a vital role in determining the incidence of childhood diarrhea. Therefore, there is a pressing need to enhance sanitation education initiatives, reinforced by robust community networks.
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