Relationships between Septic Tank Construction and Number of Escherichia coli in Dug Well Water in Rahandouna Village, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: Dug wells provide water from soil layer that is close to the surface of the soil, therefore it is susceptible to contamination through seepage from human waste, animals, and for domestic household use. This study aimed to determine the relationships between septic tank construction, dug well distance, and number of E. coli in Rahandauna Village, Ken­dari, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional stu­dy was carried out at Rahandouna Village, Poa­sia Sub-District, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, in July 2019. The sample for this study was 70 units of dug well. The dependent variable was E. coli. The independent variables were septic tank construction and distance of dug well. Acceptable levels of E. coli are mea­sured in Most Probable Number (MPN)/100 ml. The distance of the septic tank to the dug well was measured in meter. The data were analyzed by Chi square. Results: Good septic tank construction (OR= 0.06; 95% CI= 0.01 to 0.31; p= 0.001) and the distance of the septic tank to the dug well ≥10 m (OR= 0.02; 95% CI= 0.01 to 0.06; p