Risyhal Ramadhani Simanjuntak, Deny Kurniawan, Vita Pramaningsih

The Relationship between Knowledge Level of Handlers and Contamination of Escherichia coli and Coliform Bacteria at Refill Drinking Water Depots in Air Putih Subdistrict

Introduction

The relationship between knowledge level of handlers and contamination of escherichia coli and coliform bacteria at refill drinking water depots in air putih subdistrict. Research explores the link between refill drinking water depot handlers' knowledge and E. coli & coliform contamination in Air Putih, Samarinda. Higher handler knowledge correlates with better water quality.

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine whether there is a relationship between the level of knowledge of refill drinking water depot handlers (DAMIU) and the contamination of Escherichia coli bacteria and coliform bacteria found in Air Putih Village, Samarinda City. To analyze water samples from 14 DAMIUs, 9 of which did not have appropriate certificates, and 5 others had appropriate certificates, a laboratory experimental method with a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was used. There was an almost significant relationship (p=0.078) between the level of knowledge of handlers and contamination with Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. The results of data analysis using the chi-square test are shown. The research results show that increasing knowledge is the key to influencing the quality of refillable drinking water. This research found that residents in Air Putih Subdistrict, Samarinda City have a high level of knowledge about handling.

Review

This study addresses a critical public health issue concerning the safety of refill drinking water, a common and essential source in many developing regions. The objective to determine the relationship between the knowledge level of refill drinking water depot handlers (DAMIU) and the contamination of *Escherichia coli* and coliform bacteria is highly relevant and timely. Utilizing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the researchers sampled 14 depots, noting a distinction between certified and non-certified facilities. The primary finding indicated an "almost significant" relationship (p=0.078) between handler knowledge and bacterial contamination. Interestingly, the abstract also states that residents in the Air Putih Subdistrict possess a high level of knowledge, yet simultaneously concludes that increasing knowledge is the key to influencing water quality. A key area for discussion lies in the interpretation of the statistical findings. A p-value of 0.078, while close, falls short of conventional significance thresholds (e.g., 0.05), which makes the direct conclusion that "increasing knowledge is the key" potentially premature based solely on this result. Furthermore, the abstract's claim of high handler knowledge seems to be in tension with the recommendation for increased knowledge as a solution to contamination. Methodologically, the abstract lacks specific details regarding how handler knowledge was assessed (e.g., the instrument used, its validity, and reliability) and the precise microbiological testing methods employed (e.g., MPN or CFU, specific media, and incubation conditions). The sample size of 14 depots is relatively small, which might limit the statistical power to detect a true relationship and could contribute to the borderline p-value observed. Despite these points, the research topic is undeniably important for public health, highlighting a persistent challenge in ensuring access to safe drinking water. The study provides foundational data that can inform future interventions and policy discussions regarding water quality control, even if the direct causal link needs more robust evidence. Future research would benefit from a larger and more representative sample size to enhance statistical power, a more detailed exploration of specific knowledge gaps, and an investigation into other potential confounding factors such as infrastructure, sanitation practices, equipment maintenance, and source water quality. Overall, this abstract presents a relevant study with intriguing, though somewhat contradictory, findings that warrant further investigation and clarification of methodologies and interpretations before definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the direct impact of handler knowledge.

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