1 research outputs found
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regrading Cholera Outbreaks in Ilala Municipality of Dar Es Salaam Region, Tanznia
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine knowledge, attitudes
and practices regarding cholera outbreaks and measure socio cultural
practices that influence cholera outbreaks in Ilala Municipality in Dar
es Salaam city, Tanzania. Study design: A cross sectional study was
conducted in Ilala municipality in Dar es Salaam city. Methods: The
study population was obtained using multistage sampling technique. One
ward was sampled and within the ward 10 hamlets (administrative cluster
consisting of 10 households) were randomly selected. All households
within the hamlets were included into the study sample. A structured
questionnaire was used to collect data concerning knowledge, attitudes
and practices about cholera and factors influencing cholera occurrence
within household settings. Information collected included the number of
families and number of people in one house, availability of toilet
facilities and number of toilets in one house. The research project was
cleared by the ethical clearance committee of the Muhimbili University
College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Informed consent
was obtained from each consenting participant. Results: Three hundred
and ten (310) respondents were included in the study of whom 186
(59.9%) were females and 124 (40.1%) were males aged between 18 and 84
years. The proportion of respondents with good knowledge of cholera in
the study was 85%. The study revealed that the main practices
associated with cholera occurrence among respondents with high level of
knowledge in Ilala by water source were: use of piped water 84.3%,
water from deep wells 88.3% and shallow wells 71.4%. The distribution
of respondents by low knowledge and water source were: piped water
15.7%, shallow well 28.6% and deep well 11.7%. The proportions of
respondents by low knowledge and water quantity were: adequate water
13.6% and inadequate water 18.3%. About 14% of the respondents with low
level of knowledge of cholera drink water from wells without boiling
while 31.8% drink unboiled piped water and wash their hands in a common
container 21.6%. Furthermore the proportion of respondents with
positive attitudes towards cholera prevention in this study was 97.4%.
Conclusion and recommendations: The hygienic practices concerning
cholera prevention were lagging behind knowledge and attitudes. A range
of specific interventions are likely to be necessary for the control of
cholera in this population. Misconceptions about transmissibility of
cholera that cholera cannot be transmitted through cow’s dung,
young children stool and chicken faeces need to be addressed.