The Relationship Between the Availability, Type, and Management of Water Reservoirs and the Incidence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in Pematangsiantar City in 2024

Abstract

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, including in Pematangsiantar City. In 2024, the city recorded 315 DHF cases with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.59%. This study aims to evaluate environmental factors, particularly those related to the management of water reservoirs, to develop more effective strategies for the prevention and control of DHF. This case-control study was conducted in Pematangsiantar City, involving 78 respondents in both the case and control groups. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The findings revealed a significant association between several host factors and the incidence of DHF. The availability of water containers was significantly associated with DHF incidence (p = 0.012), where the presence of containers was linked to a lower risk of DHF (OR = 0.088; 95% CI: 0.011–0.708). The type of water reservoir also played a key role (p = 0.003), with open containers being associated with a higher risk of DHF (OR = 0.332; 95% CI: 0.167–0.662). Additionally, infrequent drainage of water reservoirs (less than once per week) was associated with nearly a threefold increase in risk (p = 0.006; OR = 2.650; 95% CI: 1.371–5.122). The habit of covering water containers also showed a significant association (p = 0.027), where individuals who did not cover containers had a higher risk of DHF (OR = 2.277; 95% CI: 1.148–4.517). In conclusion, water reservoir management—including availability, container type, drainage frequency, and covering practices—is a crucial determinant in DHF prevention. Therefore, community-based behavioral interventions and environmental sanitation improvements should be prioritized in DHF control programs, especially in endemic areas such as Pematangsiantar City.