Are Coastal and Mining Conditions Different in Influencing Drinking Water Behavior? A Comparative Study in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Insufficient drinking water intake is a critical determinant of chronic diseases in Indonesia, including in Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study provides evidence-based insights to inform policy and practice frameworks for chronic disease prevention in high-risk populations living in coastal and mining regions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nambo (coastal region) and Morosi (mining region) between May and October 2024. Using cluster random sampling, 100 participants were recruited from each area. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using McNemar's test and ANOVA. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, disease seriousness perception, self-efficacy, maintenance, commitment, income, and subjective norms (p<0.05) were key determinants of drinking water adequacy in Nambo. In Morosi, significant determinants included knowledge, attitudes, disease seriousness perception, self-efficacy, maintenance, commitment, and perceived susceptibility (p<0.05). Two determinants were unique to each region: income and subjective norms in Nambo, and perceived susceptibility in Morosi. Belief and recovery were not significant predictors in either region (p>0.05). In conclusion, drinking water adequacy is shaped by both shared and region-specific factors, with environmental and socioeconomic contexts driving differences. These results underscore the importance of tailored public health interventions to improve hydration and reduce chronic disease risks in vulnerable communities.