Knowledge, Attitude and Prevalence of Cholera in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State

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.