Hand Washing Habits using Soap is Most Influential Factor Occurrence of Diarrhea in Infants 6-12 Months Old

Abstract

Diarrhea is defined as a condition that causes sufferers to defecate repeatedly with a soft, liquid, or
paste-like consistency. The level of frequent bowel movements in people with diarrhea in one day is 3
times or more, with mucus or blood or not both. One of the risk factors for diarrhea is child factors, such
as the way of birth and a history of exclusive breastfeeding in infants. Babies born vaginally and have a
history of exclusive breastfeeding will result in differences in the gut microbiota which can be one of the
factors causing diarrhea in infants. In addition to these factors, hand washing habits are also a cause of
diarrhea. This study aims to analyze the risk factors from the child aspect that can increase the risk of
diarrhea in infants 6-12 months old. An observational study with a cross sectional design and
consecutive sampling technique at coverage areas of  warungasem Public Health center (Puskesmas
Warungasem), Batang Regency, Central Java Province. Infants count data obtained from infants count
registers Puskesmas Warungasem & primary data was obtained through interviews using a
questionnair. Analyzed bivariate data using chi square test and multiple data using logistic regression
test. From 69 infants, it was found that the way of birth, history of exclusive breastfeeding, and hand
washing habits using soap were associated with occurrence of diarrhea in infants 6-12 months old
(p=0.007; p=0.004; p=0.024) at coverage areas of  Puskesmas Warungasem, Batang Regency. Hand
washing habits using soap is the most influential factor in occurrence of diarrhea in infants 6-12 months
old at coverage areas of  Puskesmas Warungasem, Batang Regency.
Keywords: Method of birth, exclusive breastfeeding, hand washing habits, diarrhea, infants.