KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS ON CHOLERA PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN ENDEMIC REGIONS OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Background:
Cholera remains a significant public health challenge in endemic regions of Nigeria, with healthcare workers (HCWs) playing a pivotal role in its prevention and control. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of HCWs regarding cholera in these regions.

Methodology:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst 353 healthcare workers across areas of cholera outbreaks in Nigeria. Health care workers in Nigeria from 18 years and above were engaged in the study. Data was collected using a self-administered structured online-based questionnaire created on Google Forms. The questionnaire design was guided by previous studies done in non-African countries and was adapted to suit the Nigerian setting. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) by IBM. The data was reviewed and cleaned before analysis, and descriptive analyses were conducted to determine frequencies and proportions of categorical variables in the total study sample. Participants were assured of the confidentiality of their responses, and no means of personal identification was included in the study tool. Respondents were informed that participation was voluntary and consent was implied by completion of the questionnaire. This was a non-interventional study and ethical clearance was not applicable.

Results:
Foundational knowledge was observed, with 98% of respondents identifying cholera as an infectious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae and transmitted via contaminated food and water. However, gaps were noted in understanding suspected and confirmed case definitions, with only 27% and 21.8% respectively aligning with global standards. Most HCWs recognized oral rehydration therapy and intravenous fluids as mainstays of treatment, yet only 39.1% correctly employed Ringer’s Lactate for severe dehydration. Despite high awareness of cholera vaccination (95%), only 10.5% recommended its use during outbreaks. Barriers to effective cholera control included inadequate training (63%), poor infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient government policy effectiveness (45.3%).

Conclusion:
Preventive measures such as improved sanitation, access to clean water, and public health education were deemed effective. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted training, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, robust surveillance systems, and community-focused interventions. Strengthening HCWs’ capacities and addressing systemic challenges will be critical in reducing cholera incidence and mortality in endemic regions.