Analysis of Social Demography, Behavioral Hygiene, Breast Milk, And Nutritional Status in Children with Diarrhea in Surabaya City

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of social demographics, personal hygiene, breastfeeding, and nutritional status on the incidence of diarrhea among children. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing and improving the quality of health services, particularly in reducing child mortality rates associated with diarrhea.   Methods: The research employed an explanatory survey research design, aimed at exploring new insights, identifying relationships between phenomena, and understanding the reasons behind certain events. Approval for data collection was obtained from the Candel Surabaya's ethics committee. Data were gathered from the Wonokromo sub-district in Surabaya in June 2023, with a sample size ranging from 300 to 400, selected through purposive sampling. Questionnaires were distributed to mothers attending Posyandu in Wonokromo village, and data were analyzed univariately using logistic regression.   Results and Discussion: Statistical analysis revealed several significant findings. Ethnicity and the number of children were found to have no significant effect on the incidence of diarrhea (p-value = 0.322 and p-value = 0.930, respectively). However, factors such as mother's age (p-value = 0.021), education (p-value = 0.000), employment (p-value = 0.000), income (p-value = 0.000), child's age (p-value = 0.000), gender (p-value = 0.019), personal hygiene (p-value = 0.000), breastfeeding (p-value = 0.000), and nutritional status (p-value = 0.000) were significantly associated with the incidence of diarrhea. These results suggest that social demographics and personal hygiene, breastfeeding, and nutritional status play significant roles in influencing diarrhea occurrence among children.   Implications of the Research: The findings of this study carry important implications for public health interventions. It underscores the necessity of promoting healthy lifestyle practices among parents, particularly mothers, to mitigate the incidence of diarrhea in children. Improving education, employment opportunities, income levels, and access to healthcare services can contribute to better health outcomes for children. Additionally, emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene, breastfeeding, and maintaining adequate nutritional status can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea.   Originality/Value: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the specific factors that influence the incidence of diarrhea among children in a particular setting. By elucidating the significance of social demographics and various health-related practices, this study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing child morbidity and mortality associated with diarrhea.