Association Between Basic Sanitation and Toddler Diarrhea Incidence in 13 and 14 Ulu, Palembang

Abstract

Diarrhea remains a significant public health issue contributing to high morbidity rates among toddlers, often linked to inadequate domestic basic sanitation. In Palembang City, Nagaswidak Public Health Center reported the highest diarrhea incidence among toddlers in 2025 within the 13 and 14 Ulu Sub-districts, with 184 recorded cases. This study aims to analyze the relationship between basic sanitation and diarrhea incidence among toddlers in these areas. This quantitative analytical study employed a cross-sectional design. The population consisted of toddlers aged 0–59 months, with a sample of 96 respondents selected via proportional random sampling. Data were collected through interviews using questionnaires and observation sheets, then analyzed using univariate and bivariate Chi-square tests. Results indicated significant associations between diarrhea incidence and latrine facilities (p=0.005; PR=1.821), waste management facilities (p=0.000; PR=5.294), and wastewater drainage systems (p=0.002; PR=2.110). Conversely, clean water facilities showed no significant relationship (p=0.613). In conclusion, the high incidence of diarrhea in 13 and 14 Ulu is primarily driven by non-compliant latrines, poor waste management, and inadequate wastewater drainage. These findings underscore the urgent need for improving household sanitation infrastructure to mitigate diarrheal diseases in urban settings.