The Relationship Between Well Water Quality and Cognitive Function in Well Water Users

Abstract

Aims: to explore the relationship between consuming contaminated well water and cognitive function among well water users in Jember Regency; to understand the sociodemographic characteristics based on age, gender, and education level; to assess the quality of well water used by residents; and to describe the cognitive function of well water users. Study Design: this study employed an observational analytical approach with a cross-sectional design. Place and Duration of Study: this research was carried out in a village in Jember Regency, Indonesia from September to November 2023 Methodology: well water samples were measured by the polluted index (IPj) method as well as the cognitive function was measured by MMSE. There were 46 respondents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and obtained 29 well water samples. Results: 1 well water sample (3.45%) was found to be in good condition, while 20 well water samples (69%) were categorized as lightly polluted. Additionally, 5 well water samples (17.24%) were moderately polluted, and 3 well water samples (10.24%) were heavily polluted. Regarding cognitive function, 30 respondents (65.2%) fell into the normal category, 11 respondents (23.9%) were classified as having Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and 5 respondents (10.9%) were diagnosed with dementia. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (p-value = 0.001) between well water quality and cognitive function in well water users, with a correlation coefficient of -0.473. Conclusion: There is a clear relationship between contaminated well water and cognitive function in well water users. Deteriorating water quality correlates with a decline in cognitive function.