E. Eravianti, Erpita YANTI, Linda MARNI
This study examines the relationship between environmental sanitation conditions, including clean water management, waste disposal, toilet facilities, and community behaviours and the prevalence of infectious diseases among infants and children in Padang City. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, involving 400 randomly selected mothers with children under five years old. Data were collected through structured interviews and field observations and analysed descriptively using statistical software. Environmental sanitation indicators, household waste disposal patterns, and disease prevalence were assessed. Results revealed that 33% of respondents relied on dug wells as a primary water source, with 60% disposing of waste through burning. Infectious diseases such as diarrhoea (31%) and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) (30%) were most prevalent. Hygiene behaviours such as handwashing after defecation (61.8%), remained low. Preventive measures against vector-borne diseases showed varied adoption, with 62% using mosquito nets and 23% using repellents. These findings highlight critical gaps in sanitation infrastructure and public health practices. Enhancing access to clean water, improving waste management, and promoting hygiene and preventive measures are vital in reducing the burden of infectious diseases in Padang City. © UMT Press
Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatra, Padang, 25146, Indonesia
