KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES RELATING TO CHOLERA AMONG RESIDENTS OF SABO COMMUNITY IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cholera is an endemic disease in some parts of Ibadan especially in Sabo and inner-core areas of the city. Despite this development, behavioural antecedent factors associated with the occurrence of the disease such as knowledge and perception as well as practices which influence the epidemiology of the disease have not been adequately explored. This study was therefore, designed to investigate the knowledge, perception and practices relating to cholera among Sabo community residents in Ibadan North Local Government Area (LGA). A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 418 male and female household heads residing in Sabo community. A semi structured questionnaire used for data collection included questions on socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge on causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of cholera; perception; and practices relating to the spread and prevention of cholera. An observation checklist was also used to assess the wells, toilet facilities and the surroundings of each house. Respondents’ knowledge and perception were measured using a 48- point and an 11- point scale respectively. Knowledge scores of < 24, 24-35 and > 35-48 points were rated as poor, fair and good respectively. Perception scores of ≤ 8.3 and > 8.3 were categorized as unfavourable and favourable respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-test, F-test and Chi-square test at p= 0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 35.7 ± 13.4 years, 74.6% were Hausa, 92.8% were adherents of Islam and most (94.7%) were married. Respondents mean knowledge score was 26.1 ± 5.7, with those having poor, fair and good knowledge being 31.1%, 63.4% and 5.5% respectively. The mean perception score was 4.6 ± 2.7 with only 17.0% having favourable perceptions. None of the respondents knew that the pathogen that causes cholera is Vibrio cholerae and 79.0% did not know whether flies can facilitate the spread of the disease. Most (99.5%) respondents reported that they washed their hands after using the toilet. Slightly less than half (48.3%) reportedly boiled their water before drinking while only 16.0% added chlorine to their drinking water. Most (93.6%) respondents were able to correctly identify the ingredients used to prepare sugar-salt-solution and 77.7% stated that they could prepare it. Significant differences were noted in respondents’ mean knowledge scores by gender, ethnic group religion, highest levels of education and occupations. A similar pattern was observed in respondents’ perception scores. Observations showed that 59.1% of the respondents obtained their water from shallow wells which are prone to contamination by Vibrio cholerae. Majority (75.9%) of the toilets were dirty and 50% of them had flies present around them. Majority (79.0%) of the drainage systems were blocked and 93.6% were dirty. Overall, respondents had inadequate knowledge relating to the disease and majority of them had perceptions and exhibited some practices that could put them at risk of getting cholera. Health promotion and education strategies such as community-based health education, public enlightenment and provision of portable water and sanitation facilities are needed to improve cholera prevention and control in the community.