Choice and Risk Perception on Drinking Water source among Urban Slum Dwellers Living on Cikapundung River Basin in Bandung City

Water supply system in urban slum area is often unreliable in terms of water quality and quantity, particularly in developing countries. Choices on the type of water source and water treatment may be associated with public health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate correlation between demographic factors and risk perception on the choice of water source type in urban slum area. A cross-sectional study was conducted during September-October 2015 in 20 neigborhood (Rukun Warga, RW) living on Cikapundung river basin in Bandung City. Households were sampled using systematic random sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire and water quality was assessed using Suncoli test kit to examine total Coliform level in drinking water. Drinking water consumed by the urban slum dweller included boiled water from ground well and piped water as well as commercial drinking water. Factors influencing the choice of drinking water were economic status, availability of clean water source, and education level of head of household (p<0.001). Perception towards health risks carried by clean water correlates with the choice of drinking water to be consumed (p<0.001). Health promotion efforts on how to process drinking water need to be improved and piped water provision should be improved.