Evaluation of Demographic Variables on the Knowledge and Prevention of Cholera: A Case Study of Durumi, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Cholera remains a disease of public health importance globally and particularly in the developing countries including Nigeria. This study evaluated demographic characteristics (age, gender, educational level, religion) in Durumi community in relation to the knowledge and prevention of cholera so as to adequately report them and proffer solutions to reduce the disease occurrence by selecting 360 participants. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages (%), frequency counts and mean. Inferential statistics of T-test, ANOVA and regression used to analyze the variables at 0.05 significant levels. Age had significant influence on knowledge (p = v 0.02) and prevention (p < 0.021) of cholera. The younger people appeared to have more knowledge and prevention of cholera than the older people. Gender was significant to knowledge (p = 0.020) and prevention (p = 0.044) of cholera. The educational level was also significant to knowledge (p = 0.000) and prevention (p = 0.000). Religion was significant to knowledge (p = 0.03 and prevention (p =0.004) of cholera. Demographic variables have significant effect on knowledge and preventive measures of cholera P value < 0.05 in all variables tested. However, younger age group (< 50 years), females contributed higher mean score, people with formal education, Christian and Muslims all appeared more knowledgeable and more in tuned with preventive measures of cholera. Therefore,  there is the need to use targeted health education for advocacy for people with no formal education, above 50 years, and others on cholera knowledge and prevention.

Keywords: Demographic variables, cholera, Abuja, Health education.