Use of Water and Hygiene Products: A COVID-19 Investigation in Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hygiene practices and water consumption in Indonesia. Data were collected through an online survey, supplemented by the official national socio-economic survey. The findings indicate an increase in hygiene practices, particularly handwashing, aligned with health protocols. This behavior led to higher water and hygiene product usage, unaffected by socio-economic factors. Respondents’ perception of COVID-19 and compliance with health protocols drove the increase, with older individuals preferring handwashing with water and younger individuals favoring hand sanitizer. Access to improved drinking water remained stagnant, while bottled water consumption rose. This highlights challenges in achieving the SDG 6 targets for safe drinking water. This study stresses the need to address COVID-19 perception to promote better hygiene practices and raises concerns about increased water usage, domestic pollution, and wastewater management during and after the pandemic. These insights could inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working in public health and water management to achieve SDG 6 goals amidst the pandemic and beyond.