Cholera Knowledge, Preventive Practices and WaSH Characteristics in Tiko Health District.

Abstract: The south-west region of Cameroon has been reported to be the most affected, with 4617 cases and 77 cholera deaths. This report urges an assessment of cholera knowledge, preventive practices, and WaSH characteristics to determine what actions must be taken to eradicate cholera and improve WaSH in Tiko Health District. This was a questionnaire-based descriptive and observational cross-sectional study designed from June 3 to July 20th, 2023. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select three health areas, where 50 households were randomly selected to administer the questionnaire.
The data was represented in terms of frequencies and valid percentages for categorical variables. SPSS was used to perform all statistical calculations. The study revealed that more females (51%) with housewives (38.8%) as occupations took part in the study. Most participants were within the age group of 18–24 years (38.8%), and the majority (39.8%) had a family size of 5–10 persons. Most (35.7%) had attained a secondary level of education.
Further findings revealed that the majority (56.1%) had heard about the prevention and treatment of cholera on the radio. Most (80.7%) of the study participants were knowledgeable about cholera but had poor preventive practices, and the WaSH characteristic was not fully respected as there was evidence of open defecation and improper household waste disposal. To conclude, it was discovered that residents of Tiko district were knowledgeable of cholera, but the state of preventive measures practiced was below standard, and WaSH characteristics observed revealed that WaSH was practiced but not up to expectations. Therefore, cholera preventive plans should contain a comprehensive
education campaign to improve knowledge and preventive practices. Stakeholders should support communities with sustainable water and sanitation systems as well as conduct more qualitative research to identify communities’ needs and perspectives and thus design prevention programs accordingly.