Influence of family environment, socioeconomic status, and maternal knowledge on childhood diarrhea risk

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in Indonesia, particularly in areas with limited access to sanitation and clean water. Environmental factors and family educational levels are presumed to contribute to the incidence of childhood diarrhea. This study aims to analyze the relationship between parental education, family environmental conditions, and the incidence of diarrhea among children at Kameri Health Center. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling. A total of 46 respondents who had children under five suffering from diarrhea at Kameri Health Center in 2024 were included. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square statistical test. Findings: The results showed a significant association between family environmental conditions and diarrhea incidence (p=0.000), socioeconomic status and diarrhea incidence (p=0.003), as well as maternal knowledge level and diarrhea incidence (p=0.000). Unhygienic environments, low economic status, and insufficient maternal knowledge regarding diarrhea contributed to the high prevalence of diarrhea among children. Conclusion: Family environmental conditions, socioeconomic status, and maternal knowledge are strongly associated with childhood diarrhea. Therefore, health education, adequate sanitation facilities, and community-based interventions are necessary to reduce its incidence. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides an in-depth analysis of the interaction between environmental, socioeconomic, and educational factors in determining the prevalence of diarrhea, emphasizing targeted interventions to mitigate its impact.