Knowledge, perception and prevention of cholera among students in selected secondary schools in Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cholera mainly spreads when people eat food or drink water that is contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. This study looked into what secondary school students in the Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria, know about cholera, how they view it, and the preventive steps they take. Researchers used a survey method, handing out structured questionnaires to 371 students from eight different schools. Data from the study shows that most students linked cholera spread mainly to poor hygiene, around 82% of them. Handwashing came up too as a big preventive method; about 58% saw it that way. But about half of the students didn’t think that eating street food could make them sick with cholera. A lot of students knew the basics about cholera, but there are still big gaps in their knowledge, especially when it comes to how food can spread the disease. The study suggests that schools should improve their sanitation systems and start health education programs that are specific to certain groups. It also calls for more campaigns to raise awareness about how to stay safe, such as avoiding unsafe water and knowing the risks of eating street food. By addressing these knowledge gaps through focused information sessions on safe eating practices and hands-on demonstrations of water purification, cholera cases could be greatly reduced and overall students’ health enhanced.