The Relationship Between Mothers' Handwashing Habits and the Incidence of Diarrhea in Toddlers in Sidowayah Village

Abstract

Diarrhea is a health problem in toddlers that is influenced by various factors, one of which is the mother's handwashing habits. The habit of washing hands using soap and running water is an important effort in preventing the transmission of microorganisms that cause diarrhea. This study aims to analyze the relationship between mothers' handwashing habits and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers in Sidowayah Village. The study used an observational analytical design with a case-control approach. The study sample consisted of 68 respondents consisting of 34 case groups (toddlers with diarrhea) and 34 control groups (toddlers without diarrhea) selected using a proportional random sampling technique. Data on mothers' handwashing habits were obtained through questionnaire interviews that had been tested for validity and reliability, while data on diarrhea incidence were obtained from the Panekan Community Health Center register. Data analysis was carried out univariately and bivariately using the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed that most mothers had handwashing habits that did not meet the requirements, namely 42 respondents (61.8%), while those who met the requirements were 26 respondents (38.2%). The results of the Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between mothers' handwashing habits and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers (p = 0.006; OR = 0.205; 95% CI = 0.070-0.598). It was concluded that mothers' handwashing habits are associated with the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers, so increasing education regarding handwashing with soap is necessary as an effort to prevent diarrhea.