Knowledge and Challenges in Cholera Control in The Tiko Health District of Cameroon: Community Perspective

Abstract

Aims: The incidence of cholera has increased steadily since the year 2000. The persistent presence of this disease in this community is probably due to poor socio-economic status, poor knowledge, on cholera prevention and control measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the community’s knowledge on the cause, transmission, predisposing factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention/ control strategies used to combat cholera and to propose solutions for the reduction of the incidence in the Tiko Health Area. Study Design:  It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Tiko from January to July 2021 Methodology: The study involved 420 adults (>18years) participants. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, entered in EpiInfo version 17.3, cleaned with Microsoft Excel 2013, analyzed with R version 3.6.1 and the results were presented on tables and bar charts. A confidence interval of 95% was used and comparison for significance was done using the chi square test.  Results: The average age of the participants was 35 years + 2years.  For the definition of Cholera, 345 (82.1%) could correctly identify that cholera is a bacterial infection while 17.9% could not. On modes of transmission, majority of the participants (72.62%, n = 305) indicated that drinking contaminated water was the main mode of transmission and few (10.1%, n = 45) indicated the consumption of unwashed fruits and vegetables. Most of the participants (89.3%, n = 375) indicated that anyone could contract the disease and a majority (68.8%, n = 289) said they will willingly accept cholera vaccines as a preventive measure while improving on hygienic measures.  Conclusions: Community Members of Tiko Health District had good knowledge in relation to prevention and control of cholera. Community participation in relation to proper hygiene is the major way to reduce the spread of the disease.