Bedbug (Cimex spp) Infestation in Settlements: A Cross-sectional Survey of Sanitation and Personal Hygiene Factors

¹ Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Disease, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
² Household & Structural Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia

^* Corresponding martini@live.undip.ac.id

Abstract

Bed bugs (Cimex spp.) are blood-sucking insects commonly found in residential areas, dormitories, boarding schools, and shelters. High-risk environments, particularly those that use kapok-based housing materials or have inadequate sanitation, can be potential sites for infestations of Cimex spp. The objective of this study was to investigate bed bug infestations, sanitation and hygiene factors, and the diversity of Cimex spp. found in various residential settings, including dormitories and shelters. This study utilized a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design to analyze the relationships between the variables examined. A preliminary survey was conducted prior to the research to ensure the feasibility of the instruments and the field conditions. Data were collected at a single point in time using structured questionnaires and were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings showed no evidence of Cimex spp. infestations in the study locations. The chi-square test results indicated a significant relationship between attitudes and knowledge about bed bugs, with a p-value of 0.001 (p<0.05). Conversely, no significant relationship was found between positive health and clean-living behaviors (PHBS) and knowledge, as indicated by a p-value of 0.789 (p>0.05). Although this study did not detect any Cimex spp. infestations in the locations examined, the potential for infestations remains, particularly in environments characterized by poor cleanliness or insufficient preventive measures.