Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 11(1), pp. 133 - 145
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110115
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Community Factors Associated with Repeated Cholera Outbreaks in Chegutu Town, Zimbabwe

Caroline Muringazuva Makovere ^*, Hamidi Ismail
School of Government, College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok Kedah, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Cholera remains a major public health threat in developing countries and communities where safe water and sanitation facilities are inadequately available. The disease is becoming endemic in Zimbabwe and Chegutu town hasn’t been spared. The study was set to examine community factors associated with repeated cholera outbreaks in Chegutu town. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, experiences, and hygiene practices. Kobo collect was used for data collection and Epi Info Version 7 for analysis. A total of 385 participants were selected from five residential areas in Chegutu town. Seventy-two percentages were females, 41.30% were in the 18-35 age group whilst 21% were in the 50+ age group. Statistically significant factors associated with repeated cholera outbreaks were, being in the 18-35 age group OR 0.24(0.15-0.42) p value 0.00002, being 50+ OR 1.83(1.05-3.16) p value 0.03, knowing what cholera was OR 2.74(1.53-4.88) p value 0.0005, having attained primary school OR 2.03(1.02-4.03) p value 0.04, being widowed or divorced 2.21(1.05-4.60) p value 0.03, and staying in Pfupajena OR 0.50(0.04-5.62) p value 0.0001. Risky practices included not boiling untreated water 71%, not washing hands after handling waste 51%, not washing hands before preparing food 26%, and not washing fruits before eating 32%. Seventy-eight percentages were using contaminated water, 14% drinking unsafe water and 18% not cooking food thoroughly. Major risk factors associated with repeated cholera outbreaks were community unhygienic practices including drinking unsafe water, using contaminated water and not having a culture of handwashing. Targeted community's health awareness should be strengthened.

KEYWORDS
Cholera, Chegutu Community, Risky Factors Contributing Factors, Significant Factors

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Caroline Muringazuva Makovere , Hamidi Ismail , "Community Factors Associated with Repeated Cholera Outbreaks in Chegutu Town, Zimbabwe," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 133 - 145, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110115.

(b). APA Format:
Caroline Muringazuva Makovere , Hamidi Ismail (2023). Community Factors Associated with Repeated Cholera Outbreaks in Chegutu Town, Zimbabwe. Universal Journal of Public Health, 11(1), 133 - 145. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110115.