Abstract:

Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium and spread through contaminated food or water, remains a severe public health issue globally, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Annually, there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases, with 21,000 to 143,000 deaths. In Tanzania, cholera persists as a major health concern, underscored by a peak fatality rate in 2013. This study, conducted from January to August 2024, investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding cholera among residents of Kambarage village in Shinyanga District, Tanzania.

Using a community-based approach, the study employed structured self-administered questionnaires in English and Swahili, targeting a sample size of 309 respondents, determined via the Cochran formula. Data were analyzed with SPSS, assessing knowledge through correct answer scoring, attitudes using median scores on a Likert scale, and preventive practices based on median scores.

Results indicated that respondents 221(71.5%) generally possessed adequate knowledge about cholera's causes, symptoms, and preventive measures, consistent with studies from Lebanon and Dar-es-Salaam but contrasting with lower knowledge levels in Syria and Nigeria. Most participants 261(84.5%) held positive attitudes towards cholera prevention, including practices such as fruit washing and hand hygiene, similar to findings in Lebanon, Syria, and Nigeria.

However, despite strong knowledge and positive attitudes, preventive practices were inadequate. Many respondents did not regularly treat or boil water and exhibited poor waste disposal methods, mirroring trends observed in Lebanon and Syria. This disconnect highlights a critical gap between knowledge, attitudes, and actual preventive behaviors.

The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve cholera prevention practices in Kambarage village. The results will be shared with the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) and Shinyanga District Executive Director’s Office to aid in developing effective policies and interventions.