Risk factors associated with cholera outbreak in Bauchi and Gombe States in North East Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the risk factors associated with cholera epidemic during the 2010 cholera outbreak in some States in Nigeria. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to consented patients and/or their parents/guardians in Bauchi and Gombe States in North East Nigeria. Few (33.7%) respondents had access to safe and clean drinking water through the pipe-borne system compared to well (47.8%) and river (19.6%). Respondents’ means of sewage disposal were: pit/latrine (77.2%); bush (15.2%); and water closet (4.3%). Only 34.8% knew water, food and poor sanitation as transmission routes for cholera. There was a significant gender difference in knowledge of lack of safe and clean drinking water and poor sanitation as contributing factors to cholera infection (p<0.05). Observation showed poor sanitation and food hygiene practices in the communities visited.The results provided insights for planning educational programmes through information, education and communication/behavioral change communication efforts to boost knowledge on cholera in the communities.   Key words: Knowledge, perception, environmental sanitation, health behavior, cholera  outbreak, Nigeria.