<![CDATA[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<0.001) decreased number of E. coli <1,000 MPN/100 ml.Conclusion: Good septic tank construction and the distance of the septic tank to the dug well ≥10 m decrease number of E. coli <1,000 MPN/100 ml.Keywords: Escherichia coli, septic tank construction, dug wellCorrespondence: Bromo Kusumo Achmad. School of Health Sciences Mandala Waluya, Kendari, Indonesia. Email: bromo.ka@gmail.com. Mobile: 082221717148.Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (2020), 05(02): 150-157https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2020.05.02.03]]>
