The Relationship between Attitudes and Availability of Bathing and Washing Facilities with Sanitation Behavior of The Riverbank Communities Dusun II Kampung Baru

Abstract

Environmental sanitation is an important factor affecting community health, particularly in riverbank areas with limited access to sanitation Environmental sanitation is an important factor affecting community health, particularly in riverbank areas with limited access to sanitation facilities. Sanitation behavior is influenced by various factors, including attitudes and the availability of bathing, washing, and toilet facilities (MCK). This study aimed to determine the relationship between attitudes and the availability of MCK facilities with sanitation behavior among riverbank communities in Dusun II Kampung Baru, Tanjung Beringin District. This quantitative study used an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 178 heads of households, with 61 respondents selected using accidental sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires to assess attitudes and sanitation behavior and observation sheets to assess MCK facility availability. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the Chi-square test at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed that 47 heads of households (77.0%) had poor attitudes, while 45 respondents (72.8%) had MCK facilities that did not meet health requirements. There was a significant relationship between attitudes and sanitation behavior (p = 0.001) and between MCK facility availability and sanitation behavior (p = 0.001). Therefore, environmental health education and the provision of MCK facilities that meet health standards are needed. These efforts are important to foster positive attitudes, increase community awareness of proper sanitation, and support behavioral changes toward clean and healthy living practices, thereby reducing the risk of environmentally related diseases in riverbank areas.