Determinants of household drinking-water source in Indonesia: An analysis of the 2007 Indonesian family life survey

Abstract

Safe drinking water is a human right as it is an essential element to sustain life and maintain human health. Literature review confirms that there are many aspects that should be considered in providing safe drinking water in an equitable manner. Therefore, evidence-based data at national level are needed to inform policy-making process. This study presents data regarding drinking water ladder and its determinants using partial proportional odds regression model. Drinking water sources were classified into three categories, unimproved sources, improved sources and piped water on the premises. The overall model is statistically significant (p < 0.001) with McFadden adjusted R2 of 0.157. The correlates include spatial variables, environmental variables, demographic variables and socioeconomic position. There are disparities across major islands and rural-urban areas with the former lagging behind. Moreover, the higher the household is in terms of sanitation ladder, the more likely they have access to improved water sources. Similarly, socio-economic status also determines the use of improved water sources. Recommendations are provided in the light of the results.