Knowledge, attitudes and practices on Cholera and Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) among Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique

Introduction.  

Cholera outbreaks in disaster situations represent a global health emergency due to their high fatality rates and the risk of rapid spread through refugees camps and  among internally displaced people (IDP). Aim of this study is to examine knowledge, attitudes and practice towards cholera, Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) among resident population and  IDPs in six different sites of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique.  

Methods.  

Between 1 Jan and 31 Mar 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by administering a face-to-face interview to IDPs and residents in six different sites of Cabo Delgado Province 

Results.  

A total of 440 people were enrolled in the study. Overall, 77.8% (n=342) were female, 61% (n=268) had less than 35 years and 60,5% (n=266) reported primary school education level. Seventy-five percent (n=334) of participants reported to live with children under 5 years old. Thirty-one per cent (n=140) and 11.8% (n=52) of the respondents reported, respectively, at least one cholera case and at least one death related to cholera or other diarrheal diseases among their family members in the last years. In multivariate analysis, being female, under 35, having attained an higher education level and owning a mobile phone, having soap or detergent at home were all significantly associated with improved knowledge and preventive attitudes towards cholera. Conclusion 

 In severely deconstructed social contexts, continuous education and community sensitization are crucial to achieve and maintain positive cholera prevention attitudes.