CLIMATIC FACTORS AND CHILDHOOD DIARRHEA IN SOUTH KALIMANTAN IN 2017-2020

Abstract

Childhood diarrhea is still a public health problem, specifically in developing countries such as Indonesia, because the outbreak keeps occurring alongside a high mortality rate. The control of this disease in Indonesia experiences a challenge of increasing climate variability, while poor hygiene behavior can also affect the occurrence. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the correlation between climatic factors (rainfall, temperature, and humidity) and proper behavior (hand washing and defecation) with diarrhea incidence in children under five years old in South Kalimantan Province in 2017-2020. Datasets were collected from the Ministry of Health for monthly diarrhea case reports and hygiene behavior data surveys, as well as the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency for monthly climate data from January 2017 to December 2020. The result showed a decrease in cases reported in this province for four years, and Pearson analysis indicated that the climate variables influence the incidence. Additionally, hand washing with soap in running water and defecating in the latrine correlate with diarrhea in children under five years old. Even though climatic factors are statistically significant in diarrhea incidence, good hygiene practice is crucial in reducing the occurrence.