Knowledge, Attitude and Prevalence of Cholera in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State
Joy Adaku Mbachu *
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Asuzu Eleanor Nneka
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ogbonna Divine Ikechukwu
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Nwokoro O. Roseline
Department of Nursing Science, Rhema University, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
Onuigbo Martin Chinemerem
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Abia State University Uturu, Nigeria.
Ezejindu Cosmas Nnadozie
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Elijah Akachukwu Otutu
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
N. Ugwulor Lilian
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Osuoji Nkechi Joy
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chimezie Christian Iwuala
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Nwakire Everestus Chibuike
GOMECS-EVERGLAD Research Laboratory, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Egbunonu Rosemary Chiamaka
Institute of Oncology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Casmir-Okolo Sophia Oluchukwu
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Okorie Onyinyechi Mary
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Nwokeleme Ogechi Chikaodi
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ikwuagwu Vivian Ogochukwu
Department of Biology/Microbiology, School of Industrial and Applied Science, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Juliana C. Omire
Department of Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chinelo Nebe
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Uzochukwu G. Ekeleme
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and cholera prevalence among residents of Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 444 questionnaires were distributed, of which 412 were correctly completed and included in the analysis. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of cholera, and attitudes toward cholera prevention was collected using a structured questionnaire. Cholera confirmation was conducted using the Crystal VC® rapid diagnostic test for the detection of Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 antigens in stool specimens. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21 and summarized with frequencies and percentages. Chi-square analysis was used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and cholera prevalence at a 5% level of significance. Most respondents were aged 32–38 years (219; 53.2%), and gender distribution was nearly equal, with 207 females (50.2%) and 205 males (49.8%). Overall knowledge of cholera prevention was high among 348 respondents (84.5%), moderate among 52 respondents (12.6%), and poor among 12 respondents (2.9%). Attitudes toward cholera prevention were also largely positive, with 335 respondents (81.3%) demonstrating positive attitudes and 77 respondents (18.7%) showing fair attitudes. Cholera prevalence was approximately 21% among the study respondents. No statistically significant association was observed between cholera prevalence and age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, or religion. These findings indicate that although respondents showed high knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward cholera prevention, cholera remained present in the study population. Continued public health education, improved sanitation, safe water access, and community-based prevention strategies are needed to reduce cholera transmission in the study area.
Keywords: Cholera, knowledge, attitude, prevalence, Owerri West, socio-demographic factors, public health, Nigeria