Cholera preventive practices among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria

Cholera preventive practices among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Cholera preventive practices among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria Magbagbeola David Dairo, Abidemi Ayoola kaka This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6735133/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 20 Feb, 2026 Read the published version in Discover Public Health → Version 1 posted 11 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Introduction : Cholera is a severe public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under the age of five, who are especially vulnerable due to their undeveloped immune systems. Effective prevention requires caregivers to follow set hygiene, sanitation, and water safety techniques. This study explored cholera prevention practices among caregivers of children under the age of five in Ibadan North, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 311 caregivers selected through a multistage sample technique. Data were gathered using an interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic variables and cholera prevention techniques. SPSS version 28 was used to conduct descriptive and inferential analysis, such as chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The mean age of respondents was 32.14 ± 6.41 years, and the majority were female (92.9%) and married (87.1%). Respondents' prevention practices varied; while 67.2% kept their household surroundings always clean, only 39.9% purified their water before use. 44.7% of respondents routinely used soap to wash their hands, while 67.8% kept their children away from cholera-affected regions. Socio-demographic factors, including education and occupation, were significantly associated with good preventive practices ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that caregivers with tertiary education were significantly more likely to engage in good preventive practices (OR = 214.78, 95% CI: 35.00–1317.94, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Despite increasing awareness of cholera prevention, caregivers continue to fail in implementing important preventative measures. To prevent cholera in Ibadan North, Nigeria, community-based health education must be strengthened, as well as access to safe water and sanitation facilities enhanced. Cholera prevention caregivers under-five children hygiene practices Nigeria Background Despite continued national and global efforts to prevent cholera, such as the implementation of Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) measures, Nigeria has yet to meet its eradication targets. Children worldwide are particularly susceptible to a variety of health conditions, and assessing child mortality is a crucial indicator of a country's welfare and development [ 9 ] and reducing cholera among under-five children aligns with global health goals (e.g., SDG 3 – reducing child mortality). Of these threats to health is cholera, a severe diarrheal disease. Globally, infectious illnesses such as diarrhoea, malaria, and pneumonia account for more than half of preventable deaths in children under the age of five, with cholera playing a substantial role. Over the past two years, cholera cases have more than doubled. More than 1.1 billion people are at risk, with children under 5 especially vulnerable [ 17 ]. In 2020 an estimated 5 million children under the age of 5 years died, mostly from preventable and treatable causes. Approximately half of those deaths, 2.4 million, occurred among newborns (in the first 28 days of life). While the global under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) fell to 37 deaths per 1000 live births in 2020, children in sub-Saharan Africa continued to have the highest rates of mortality in the world at 74 deaths per 1000 live births- 14 times higher than the risk for children in Europe and North America. The leading causes of death in children under 5 years are preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia/trauma, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, all of which can be prevented or treated with access to affordable interventions in health and sanitation with Nigeria topping the table [ 19 ]. Annually, cholera infects up to 4 million individuals worldwide, resulting in approximately 143,000 deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate burden, accounting for 46% of global cases and 71% of deaths related to cholera [ 8 ]. Report indicate that Nigeria is among the most affected countries, experiencing recurrent outbreaks since the 1970s. A severe outbreak in northern Nigeria in late 2010 resulted in over 2,800 cases and more than 780 deaths, with subsequent outbreaks occurring throughout the country [6; 7; 2]. In 2018, Nigeria documented 43,996 cholera cases and 836 deaths across 20 states, reflecting a 240% increase in cases compared to 2017 [ 11 ]. The cholera outbreak in Nigeria in 2022 was devastating, with over 111,000 people affected and 3,604 lives lost. This resulted in a case fatality rate of 3.2%, highlighting the seriousness of the situation [ 12 ]. Fast forward to 2024, and we see that the fight against cholera continues, with more than 4,800 suspected cases reported across 35 states. Tragically, young children under five are the most vulnerable in this crisis. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to cholera. Their immune systems are still developing, many face poor nutrition, and they are often exposed to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation. In Nigeria, cholera is sadly one of the leading causes of death among young children, ranking fourth according to the WHO, 2016 [ 18 ]. The situation is even more challenging in underserved areas like Ibadan North, where access to healthcare is limited, hygiene practices may be inadequate, and many caregivers lack essential knowledge about prevention. Caregivers whether they are mothers, relatives, or guardians play a vital role in protecting children. Through simple actions like good hygiene practices, availability of clean water and seeking of medical help early a big difference can be made in keeping their children sage from cholera. Environmental and socioeconomic factors are linked closely when it comes to the spread of cholera. In communities where there is poor sanitation, unsafe water resources, improperly managed waste and widespread poverty, cholera risk becomes much higher. In Nigeria, and also in many parts of the world, about 1.7 billion depend on water contaminated with human waste, putting them at constant risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases [ 5 ]. Climate change is also making things worse. Changes in weather patterns, especially heavy rains and flooding during the rainy season, have been shown to increase cholera outbreaks [1; 16]. Flooding often carry waste into drinking water sources mostly in overcrowded areas like the refugee camps and urban slums, where clean water access and proper sanitation is already limited These conditions exacerbate the spread of the disease. Previous studies have laid emphasis on how crucial caregivers are in cholera prevention. As an example, research conducted in Ibadan by Oloruntoba et al. 2014 [ 14 ] identified poor sanitation and hygiene as the most common causes to diarrheal diseases, underlining the need to improve hygiene practices at the household level. Similarly, a study by Orivri and Ogwezzy-Ndisika, 2023 [ 15 ] in Lagos slums found that even though many caregivers were aware of the significance of handwashing and water treatment before use, they often disregarded these practices regularly. This highlights a common problem, while people may understand how to prevent cholera, putting that knowledge into constant practice can be difficult. Understanding what caregivers know and do in the prevention of cholera is key to reducing how often the disease affects children under five and how gravely. By focusing on the basics, like safe drinking water and proper sanitation (WASH), we can reinforce the fight against cholera and support efforts already in progress across the country. Educating caregivers with the right knowledge and tools not only protect their children but also promote healthier communities overall. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which highlight the need to ensure “clean water and sanitation for all.” The recurrent nature of cholera in Nigeria stresses the urgent need for a national cholera policy and elimination plan. Effective cholera prevention requires a comprehensive approach encompassing early detection, timely treatment, and improved sanitation practices. Hygiene measures in preparation of food, management of waste, and waste disposal are essential to mitigate transmission risks. Methods Study Area Ibadan North is a local government area (LGA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Centrally located within the Ibadan metropolis, it borders Ibadan Northwest, Ibadan Northeast, and Ibadan Southeast LGAs. Ibadan North is one of the most urbanized and developed areas in the city, covering an area of 27 km² with a population of 856,988 as of 2017 (Oyo State Government). It hosts leading educational institutions, including the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s oldest university, making it a central hub for academic research. Ibadan North is a vibrant and diverse area, home to people from different walks of life mostly Yoruba, along with many students, civil servants, and business owners. While the area has seen some level of development, its growing population and rapid urban expansion come with public health challenges, including a greater risk of cholera outbreaks. These conditions make Ibadan North a meaningful place to explore how vulnerable groups, like caregivers of young children, can help prevent the spread of cholera. Study Design and Population This study utilized a cross-sectional study, focusing on caregivers of children under five living in Ibadan North Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria Study Population and Sampling The study targeted caregivers of children under five years old. A multi-stage sampling technique was used: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to ensure a random, unbiased selection of caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North. Stage 1: Selection of Wards (Simple Random Sampling; SRS) · Six wards were randomly selected from the 12 total wards using SRS (random number generator) without stratification. Stage 2: Selection of Streets within Each Ward (Simple Random Sampling) · Five streets per ward were randomly selected using SRS from the list of streets in each selected ward. Stage 3: Selection of Households within Streets (Simple Random Sampling) · Within each selected street, a list of all households with under-five children was created through direct identification. · A fixed number of households were randomly selected using SRS (random number generator). · If a selected household did not have an eligible caregiver or declined participation, another pre-randomized household was approached to maintain randomness. Stage 4: Selection of Respondents within Households (Simple Random Sampling) · In households with multiple eligible caregivers, one caregiver was randomly selected using SRS (using a random number generator). Study Objectives Main Objective: To assess the level of preventive practices related to cholera among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria, and identify the Socio-demographic factors influencing these practices Specific objectives 1. To identify the cholera preventive practices employed by caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria. 2. To identify the handwashing practices employed by caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria. 3. To examine the association between caregivers’ socio-demographic factors and their preventive practices. Data Collection and Instrumentation Data was collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, which was divided into two sections; section A: Socio-demographic characteristic and section B: Cholera preventive practices Eligibility Criteria Inclusion criteria 1. Caregivers of children under five years old, aged 15 years and above. 2. Individuals willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria 1. Caregivers without consistent, long-term responsibility for under-five children. 2. Caregivers unable to provide informed consent due to language barriers, cognitive impairments, or other limitations. Data Analysis and Management Data were coded and entered to SPSS (version 28) for analysis. Data cleaning involved checking for missing values, outliers, and logical inconsistencies. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics and preventive practices. Over-sampling was done intentionally to account for potential non-responses or data inconsistencies, and since all responses were valid, they were included in the final analysis resulting in the final sample size being 311 instead of the calculate 297. For inferential analysis: · Chi-square test was used to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and cholera preventive practices. · Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors predicting cholera preventive practices among caregivers. Significance was set at p = 0.05, and findings were presented in tables and figure for clarity. Preventive practice Score The overall preventive practice score was computed using response from both handwashing practices and other questions on preventive practices. The response was categorized as rarely=1, sometimes=2 and always=3 minimum score was 22 and maximum score was 66. The computed score is further categorized into poor and good preventive practices. Those that scored 22-44 were classified as having poor preventive practices and 45-66 was classified as having good preventive practice. Respondents that answered always to the questions were classified as having good preventive practice compared to those that answered rarely and sometimes . For the handwashing practices, the score was computed using the same categories as the overall preventive practice. The minimum score was 10 and the maximum score was 30, 10-20 was categorized as poor handwashing practice which is the total score for people that choose rarely and sometimes, while respondents that scored 21-30 was categorized as having good handwashing practices which were respondents which answered always to the questions. The other preventive practices were also computed and categorized following the same method as above and the minimum score was 12 and the maximum was 36. Scores from 12-24 was categorized as poor practice and score from 25-36 was categorized as good practice. Multivariate analysis For the multivariate analysis, binary logistic regression analysis between socio-demographic characteristic and the preventive practices. Due to low response for some categories, some were removed, and some were merged. For religion traditional religion has only one response so it was removed. For occupation, they were recategorized into non workers (students and unemployed), formal workers (private employees and civil servants) and informal workers (self-employed and traders). For marital status, divorced and widows were merged. The overall preventive practice was used because it includes both the handwashing practices and the other questions on preventive practices. Ethical Considerations Ethical approval was obtained from the Oyo State Ministry of Health Research Ethics Committee. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose, risks, and benefits. Confidentiality was maintained, and participation was voluntary. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Results Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents A total of 311 caregivers participated in the study. The majority were females 92.9% and married 87.1%, and the predominant age group was 25-34 years (56.3%). Most respondents had secondary 51.4% or tertiary education 38.3%, and a significant proportion were traders 49.8%, or self-employed 28.3%. A notable percentage had one 68.2% or two 28.3% children under the age of five (table 1). Cholera Preventive Practices Table 2 presents the frequency of cholera preventive practices among caregivers. About 67.2% of respondents reported always keeping their household environment clean, while 54.7% ensured proper disposal of human waste. Additionally, 58.5% of caregivers always ensured that food was thoroughly cooked before serving, and 46.6% reported washing fruits with clean water before consumption. A total of 55.0% avoided using contaminated water sources, and 58.8% ensured that household members used latrines or toilets properly. Furthermore, 67.8% of respondents reported keeping their children away from areas with cholera outbreaks. Handwashing Practices Table 3 highlights handwashing behaviours among caregivers. Approximately 50.5% of respondents always washed their hands before feeding their children, while 70.1% reported always washing hands after using the toilet. About 67.8% of caregivers consistently washed their hands after eating, while 52.4% reported washing hands after handling household waste. However, only 39.2% always used soap during handwashing. Categories of preventive practice Table 4 presents the categories of preventive practices among respondents. Out of the total, 70 individuals (22.5%) exhibited poor practices, scoring between 10-20. In contrast, a significant majority, 241 individuals (77.5%), demonstrated good practice, scoring between 21-30. The table also shows the details the categories of handwashing practices among respondents. A total of 38 individuals (12.2%) were classified as having poor handwashing practices, with scores ranging from 12 to 24. Conversely, a substantial majority, 273 individuals (87.8%), demonstrated good handwashing practices, scoring between 25 and 36. The overall preventive practice was also calculated and categorized by computing the previous questions on preventive practice and handwashing practice. Out of the total, 59 individuals (19.0%) were categorized as having poor preventive practices, scoring between 22 and 44. In contrast, a significant majority, 252 individuals (81.0%), demonstrated good preventive practices, with scores ranging from 45 to 66. Association Between Socio-Demographic Factors and Preventive Practices (Chi-Square Test) Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between several socio-demographic characteristics and cholera preventive practices: Education level: Caregivers with tertiary education had significantly better preventive practices compared to those with lower education levels ( χ² = 51.428, p < 0.001 ). Occupation: Formal workers (civil servants and private employees) had better preventive practices compared to traders ( χ² = 25.111, p 0.05 ) (Table 5). Factors Influencing Preventive Practices (Binary logistic regression analysis) Logistic regression analysis (Table 6) showed that: Caregivers with primary education had lower odds of engaging in cholera preventive practices (OR = 0.083, 95% CI: 0.01–0.63, p = 0.01). Those in formal employment had significantly better preventive practices than non-workers (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06–0.92, p = 0.04). Caregivers with three children under five were more likely to engage in preventive practices (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.04–4.10, p = 0.04) Result Tables Table 1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents Socio-Demographic Characteristics Frequency (no) Percentage (%) Age (Mean±SD) 32.14±6.41 15-24 26 8.4 25-34 175 56.3 35-44 96 30.9 ≥45 14 4.5 Gender Male 22 7.1 Female 289 92.9 Religion Islam 163 52.4 Christianity 147 47.3 Traditional 1 0.3 Ethnicity Hausa 2 0.6 Igbo 12 3.9 Yoruba 294 94.5 Kataf 1 0.3 Ebira 1 0.3 Akwa Ibom 1 0.3 Marital Status Single 23 7.4 Married 271 87.1 Divorced/ Widowed 15 4.8 Level of Education No Formal Education 9 2.9 Primary 23 7.4 Secondary 160 51.4 Tertiary 119 38.3 Occupation Trader 155 49.8 Student 14 4.5 Civil servant 11 3.5 Private Employee 29 9.3 Unemployed 14 4.5 Self Employed 88 28.3 Child/Children under the age of five 1 child 212 68.2 2 children 88 28.3 3 children 9 2.9 Table 2Cholera Preventive Practices S/N Items Rarely Sometimes Always 1 How often do you purify your water before use? 37 (11.9%) 150 (48.2%) 124 (39.9%) 2 How often do you ensure that all human waste in your household is properly disposed of in a latrine or toilet? 16 (5.1%) 125 (40.2%) 170 (54.7%) 3 How often do you keep your household environment clean to prevent cholera? 4 (1.3%) 98 (31.5%) 209 (67.2%) 4 How often do you ensure that food is thoroughly cooked before serving it to your family? 24 (7.7%) 105 (33.8%) 182 (58.5%) 5 How often do you wash fruits with clean water before your family consumes them? 22 (7.1%) 144 (46.3%) 145 (46.6%) 6 How often do you avoid using water sources known to be contaminated? 24 (7.7%) 116 (37.3%) 171 (55.0%) 7 How often do you disinfect household items to prevent the spread of cholera? 36 (11.6%) 141 (45.3%) 134 (43.1%) 8 Do you ensure that everyone in your household uses latrine or toilet properly? 24 (7.7%) 104 (33.4%) 183 (58.8%) 9 Do you keep your children away from areas where cholera outbreaks have been reported? 8 (2.6%) 92 (29.6%) 211 (67.8%) 10 Do you avoid contact with individuals who are infected with cholera to prevent its spread? 13 (4.2%) 94 (30.2%) 204 (65.6%) Table 3 Handwashing Practices Among Respondents S/N Items Rarely Sometimes Always 1 How often do you wash your hands before feeding the child under your care? 17 (5.5%) 137 (44.1%) 157 (50.5%) 2 How often do you wash your hands before and after cooking or preparing food? 29 (9.3%) 145 (46.6%) 137 (44.1%) 3 How often do you wash your hands before breastfeeding or bottle-feeding the child? 24 (7.7%) 144 (46.3%) 143 (46.0%) 4 How often do you wash your hands before eating? 6 (1.9%) 139 (44.7%) 166 (53.4%) 5 How often do you wash your hands after eating? 2 (0.6%) 98 (31.5%) 211 (67.8%) 6 Do you wash your hands after using the toilet or latrine? 6 (1.9%) 87 (28.0%) 218 (70.1%) 7 Do you wash your hands after changing the child's diaper or cleaning up after the child? 7 (2.3%) 118 (37.9%) 186 (59.8%) 8 Do you wash your hands after handling raw food (e.g., meat or fish)? 32 (10.3%) 151 (48.6%) 128 (41.2%) 9 Do you wash your hands after handling household waste or garbage? 9 (2.9%) 139 (44.7%) 163 (52.4%) 10 Do you wash your hands after encountering unclean surfaces, such as door handles or public spaces? 44 (14.1%) 156 (50.2%) 111 (35.7%) 11 How often do you use soap when washing your hands? 13 (4.2%) 176 (56.6%) 122 (39.2%) 12 How often do you wash your hands with soap and clean water? 7 (2.3%) 165 (53.1%) 139 (44.7%) Table 4 Categories of preventive practice, handwashing practice and overall preventive practices. Category (Score: minimum= 10, maximum=30) No (%) Poor practice (10-20) 70 (22.5) Good practice (21-30) 241 (77.5) Categories of handwashing practice Category (Score: Minimum= 12, maximum=36) No (%) Poor handwashing practice (12-24) 38 (12.2) Good handwashing practice (25-36) 273 (87.8) Total level preventive practice Category (Score: minimum =22, maximum= 66) No (%) Poor preventive practice (22-44) 59 (19.0) Good preventive practice (45-66) 252 (81.0) Table 5 Association between socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and Cholera preventive practices Socio-demographic factors Cholera preventive practices Poor (%) Good (%) χ² P-value Age 15-24 6 (23.1) 20 (76.9) 5.894 0.117 25-34 25 (14.3) 150 (85.7) 35-44 24 (25.0) 72 (75.0) ≥45 4 (28.6) 10 (71.4) Gender Male 4 (18.2) 18 (81.8) 0.010 0.922 Female 55 (19.0) 234 (81.0) Ethnicity Yoruba 59 (20.1) 235 (79.9) 4.210 0.240 Hausa 0 (0.0) 2 (100) Igbo 0 (0.0) 12 (100) Others 0 (0.0) 3 (100) Religion Christian 22 (15.0) 125 85.0) 3.242 0.198 Islam 37 (22.7) 126 (77.3) Traditional 0 (0.0) 1 (100.0) Marital status Single 2 (8.7) 21 (91.3) 2.817 0.421 Married 51 (18.8) 220 (81.2) Divorced 3 (33.3) 6 (66.7) Widowed 1 (16.7) 5 (83.3) Level of education Primary 4 (17.4) 19 (82.6) 51.428 <0.001 Secondary 50 (31.3) 110 (68.8) Tertiary 0 (0.0) 119 (100.0) No formal education 5 (55.6) 4 (44.4) Occupation Trader 41 (26.5) 114 (73.5) 25.111 <0.001 Student 0 (0.0) 14 (100.0) Civil Servant 0 (0.0) 11 (100) Private Employee 0 (0.0) 29 (100.0) Unemployed 6 (42.9) 8 (57.1) Self employed 12 (13.6) 76 (86.4) Number of children under the age of five 1 child 44 (20.8) 168 (79.2) 3.100 0.212 2 children 14 (15.9) 74 (84.1) 3 children 0 (0.0) 9 (100) Table 6 Logistic Regression Analysis of Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with cholera Preventive Practices Variables Odd ratios 95% confidence interval P-value Age in years 15-24 (ref) 25-34 1.50 0.44-5.09 0.52 35-34 1.20 0.35-4.14 0.78 ≥45 0.10 0.17-5.67 0.99 Gender Male (ref) Female 1.22 0.33-4.50 0.76 Religion Christianity (ref) Islam 0.83 0.41-1.68 0.59 Marital status Single (ref) Married 0.68 0.12-3.80 0.66 Divorced 0.50 0.05-5.34 0.57 Widowed 3.35 0.16-66.82 0.44 Level of Education No formal education (ref) Secondary 0.36 0.95-1.34 0.13 Tertiary - 0.00 0.10 Primary 0.083 0.01-0.63 0.01 Occupation Non workers (Students and unemployed) (ref) Formal workers (Private employees and civil servants) 0.23 0.06-0.92 0.04 Informal workers (Self-employed and Traders) - 0.00 0.10 Number of children under the age of five 1 child (ref) 2 children 2.26 1.04-4.10 0.04 3 children - 0.00 0.10 Discussion This study examined cholera preventive practices among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria. The findings revealed that while many caregivers practiced key preventive measures such as handwashing and sanitation, some gaps remained, particularly in water treatment and food hygiene. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cholera, yet not all caregivers practiced it consistently. While over 70% reported washing their hands after using the toilet, fewer did so before they feed their children or preparing meals. This pattern aligns with studies in Nigeria and other developing countries, where knowledge of hand hygiene is high, but actual practice varies due to factors such as water scarcity and ingrained habits [4; 13]. The purification of water also standout as a major concern in the study, with less than a half of caregivers treating their drinking water regularly. This gap is large, considering that unsafe water is one of the major ways in which cholera can spreads. A similar trend was observed in Tanzania, where cholera outbreaks kept occurring due to inadequate water treatment practices [ 10 ]. These findings imply the urgent need for more achievable water treatment solutions, along with better education to help caregivers understand why water treatment is so important. The level of education made a significant difference in how caregivers addressed cholera prevention. Those with tertiary education were more likely to practice good hygiene and proper sanitation. This supports previous studies revealing that higher education often associated with better health choices and sound disease prevention efforts [ 3 ]. Surprisingly, factors such as occupation and gender didn’t make much of an impact on prevention practices, indicating that efforts to curb cholera should focus more on enhancing education and access to resources instead of relying solely on demographic categories. Overall, these findings underscore the urgent need for ongoing public health education, increased access to clean water, and community-based interventions. Such efforts are necessary to promote continuous cholera prevention practices among caregivers. By focusing on these areas, we can better equip families to protect their children and reduce the effect of cholera in vulnerable communities. Conclusion This study found that caregivers in Ibadan North are generally aware of cholera prevention measures, but their adherence to these practices varies. While proper sanitation and handwashing are commonly practiced, gaps continue to persist in treatment of water and food hygiene. Education significantly influences preventive behaviours; caregivers with higher levels of education are more likely to engage in cholera prevention. To strengthen cholera control efforts, interventions should focus on increasing access to clean water, promoting household water treatment, and enhancing health education programs for caregivers. By addressing these areas, we can significantly reduce cholera outbreaks, safeguarding the health of young children and the wider community. Recommendations 1. Strengthen Health Education and Community Engagement : Increased public awareness campaigns focused on cholera prevention is critical. This includes community education about proper handwashing practices, safe water usage, and good sanitation practices. Involvement of community leaders can increase acceptance and encourage adherence to these measures. 2. Improve Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: The government and stakeholders should invest in clean water supply systems, promote household water treatment, and ensure that proper waste disposal facilities are available, particularly in high-risk areas. 3. Integrate Cholera Prevention into Routine Healthcare Services : Integrating cholera education into antenatal and postnatal clinics can effectively help caregivers in cholera prevention. This approach encourages sustained hygiene practices and ensures that families are informed about cholera prevention practices. 4. Policy Implementation and Support: Strengthening government policies on cholera prevention is essential. This includes ensuring consistent funding and support for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives, which are essential for reducing cholera transmission in vulnerable communities. Declarations Consent for publication Not applicable. Consent to participate Informed consent was obtained from participants. Ethics approval and consent to participate Ethical approval was obtained from the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Ibadan, Oyo State. All procedures were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Availability of data and materials The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Dr. Dairo ( [email protected] ), and also the primary Author A.A Kaka ( [email protected] ) upon reasonable request. Competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Authors’ contributions Abidemi Ayoola Kaka and Magbagbeola David Dairo designed the study. A.A Kaka collected and analyzed the data. A.A Kaka] wrote the manuscript. M.D Dairo supervised the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements We thank the caregivers who participated in this study and the research assistants who supported data collection. References Abaje, I. B., Abdullahi, N., & Jeje, O. G. (2016). Climate change and infectious diseases in funtua local government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. AFRREV STECH: An International Journal of Science and Technology , 5 (1), 47-58. Adagbada, A. O., Adesida, S. A., Nwaokorie, F. O., Niemogha, M. T., & Coker, A. O. (2012). Cholera epidemiology in Nigeria: An overview. Pan African Medical Journal, 12 , 59. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2012.12.59.1627 Aigbiremolen, A. O., Abejegah, C., Ike, C. G., Momoh, J. A., Lawal-Luka, R. K., & Abah, S. O. (2015). Knowledge and practice of hand washing among caregivers of under-five children in a rural Nigerian community. Public Health Res , 5 (5), 159-165. Datta, S.S.; Singh, Z.; Boratne, A.V.; Senthilvel, V.; Bazroy, J.; Dimri, D. 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Nigeria demographic and health survey 2013 . National Population Commission, ICF International. Nauja, R. H., Bugoye, F. C., & Rongo, L. M. B. (2019). Knowledge, perceptions and practices on cholera transmission and prevention measures among heads of household members in Kigamboni municipality, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Int J Res , 7 , 28-48. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. (2019). National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control . Abuja. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. (2022). STOP Cholera: Strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) in Nigeria . Available at: https://ncdc.gov.ng/news/420/stop-cholera%3A-strengthening-water%2C-sanitation-and-hygiene%C2%A0%28wash%29-in-nigeria (accessed June 13, 2024). Olaitan, O. M., Oluwatobi, T. K., Oluwaseun, P. V., Adaobi, O. S., Abiodun, M. A., Kayode, O. R., ... & Barakat, A. (2022). Cholera scourge in Nigeria: Promoting environmental sanitation practice to achieving good health for all. J Infect Dis Epidemiol , 8 , 1510246. Oloruntoba, E. O., Folarin, T. B., & Ayede, A. I. (2014). Hygiene and sanitation risk factors of diarrhoeal disease among under-five children in Ibadan, Nigeria. African health sciences , 14 (4), 1001-1011. Orivri, H., & Ogwezzy-Ndisika, A. (2023). Application of health belief model in understanding wash behaviour practices among mothers of U-5 children in Lagos urban slums. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies , 5 (1), 91-104. Perez-Saez, J., Lessler, J., Lee, E. C., Luquero, F. J., Malembaka, E. B., Finger, F., ... & Azman, A. S. (2021). The seasonality of cholera in sub-Saharan Africa. medRxiv , 2021-11. United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). (2024). http://unicef.org/stories/cholera-is-endangering-children-globally World Health Organization. (2016). Cholera and the Global Task Force on cholera control. Geneva, Switzerland. World Health Organization. (2022). Child Mortality (Under-five years). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-mortality-under-5-years Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 20 Feb, 2026 Read the published version in Discover Public Health → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 19 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 25 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 18 Aug, 2025 Reviews received at journal 03 Aug, 2025 Reviews received at journal 26 Jul, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 26 Jul, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 24 Jul, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 21 Jul, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 08 Jul, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 24 Jun, 2025 First submitted to journal 24 Jun, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Children worldwide are particularly susceptible to a variety of health conditions, and assessing child mortality is a crucial indicator of a country's welfare and development [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] and reducing cholera among under-five children aligns with global health goals (e.g., SDG 3 \u0026ndash; reducing child mortality). Of these threats to health is cholera, a severe diarrheal disease.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGlobally, infectious illnesses such as diarrhoea, malaria, and pneumonia account for more than half of preventable deaths in children under the age of five, with cholera playing a substantial role. Over the past two years, cholera cases have more than doubled. More than 1.1\u0026nbsp;billion people are at risk, with children under 5 especially vulnerable [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 2020 an estimated 5\u0026nbsp;million children under the age of 5 years died, mostly from preventable and treatable causes. Approximately half of those deaths, 2.4\u0026nbsp;million, occurred among newborns (in the first 28 days of life). While the global under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) fell to 37 deaths per 1000 live births in 2020, children in sub-Saharan Africa continued to have the highest rates of mortality in the world at 74 deaths per 1000 live births- 14 times higher than the risk for children in Europe and North America. The leading causes of death in children under 5 years are preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia/trauma, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, all of which can be prevented or treated with access to affordable interventions in health and sanitation with Nigeria topping the table [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnnually, cholera infects up to 4\u0026nbsp;million individuals worldwide, resulting in approximately 143,000 deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate burden, accounting for 46% of global cases and 71% of deaths related to cholera [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. Report indicate that Nigeria is among the most affected countries, experiencing recurrent outbreaks since the 1970s. A severe outbreak in northern Nigeria in late 2010 resulted in over 2,800 cases and more than 780 deaths, with subsequent outbreaks occurring throughout the country [6; 7; 2]. In 2018, Nigeria documented 43,996 cholera cases and 836 deaths across 20 states, reflecting a 240% increase in cases compared to 2017 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. The cholera outbreak in Nigeria in 2022 was devastating, with over 111,000 people affected and 3,604 lives lost. This resulted in a case fatality rate of 3.2%, highlighting the seriousness of the situation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Fast forward to 2024, and we see that the fight against cholera continues, with more than 4,800 suspected cases reported across 35 states. Tragically, young children under five are the most vulnerable in this crisis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to cholera. Their immune systems are still developing, many face poor nutrition, and they are often exposed to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation. In Nigeria, cholera is sadly one of the leading causes of death among young children, ranking fourth according to the WHO, 2016 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. The situation is even more challenging in underserved areas like Ibadan North, where access to healthcare is limited, hygiene practices may be inadequate, and many caregivers lack essential knowledge about prevention. Caregivers whether they are mothers, relatives, or guardians play a vital role in protecting children. Through simple actions like good hygiene practices, availability of clean water and seeking of medical help early a big difference can be made in keeping their children sage from cholera.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnvironmental and socioeconomic factors are linked closely when it comes to the spread of cholera. In communities where there is poor sanitation, unsafe water resources, improperly managed waste and widespread poverty, cholera risk becomes much higher. In Nigeria, and also in many parts of the world, about 1.7\u0026nbsp;billion depend on water contaminated with human waste, putting them at constant risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Climate change is also making things worse. Changes in weather patterns, especially heavy rains and flooding during the rainy season, have been shown to increase cholera outbreaks [1; 16]. Flooding often carry waste into drinking water sources mostly in overcrowded areas like the refugee camps and urban slums, where clean water access and proper sanitation is already limited These conditions exacerbate the spread of the disease.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrevious studies have laid emphasis on how crucial caregivers are in cholera prevention. As an example, research conducted in Ibadan by Oloruntoba et al. 2014 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] identified poor sanitation and hygiene as the most common causes to diarrheal diseases, underlining the need to improve hygiene practices at the household level. Similarly, a study by Orivri and Ogwezzy-Ndisika, 2023 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e] in Lagos slums found that even though many caregivers were aware of the significance of handwashing and water treatment before use, they often disregarded these practices regularly. This highlights a common problem, while people may understand how to prevent cholera, putting that knowledge into constant practice can be difficult.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding what caregivers know and do in the prevention of cholera is key to reducing how often the disease affects children under five and how gravely. By focusing on the basics, like safe drinking water and proper sanitation (WASH), we can reinforce the fight against cholera and support efforts already in progress across the country. Educating caregivers with the right knowledge and tools not only protect their children but also promote healthier communities overall. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which highlight the need to ensure \u0026ldquo;clean water and sanitation for all.\u0026rdquo; The recurrent nature of cholera in Nigeria stresses the urgent need for a national cholera policy and elimination plan. Effective cholera prevention requires a comprehensive approach encompassing early detection, timely treatment, and improved sanitation practices. Hygiene measures in preparation of food, management of waste, and waste disposal are essential to mitigate transmission risks.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Area\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIbadan North is a local government area (LGA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Centrally located within the Ibadan metropolis, it borders Ibadan Northwest, Ibadan Northeast, and Ibadan Southeast LGAs. Ibadan North is one of the most urbanized and developed areas in the city, covering an area of 27 km² with a population of 856,988 as of 2017 (Oyo State Government). It hosts leading educational institutions, including the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s oldest university, making it a central hub for academic research. Ibadan North is a vibrant and diverse area, home to people from different walks of life mostly Yoruba, along with many students, civil servants, and business owners. While the area has seen some level of development, its growing population and rapid urban expansion come with public health challenges, including a greater risk of cholera outbreaks. These conditions make Ibadan North a meaningful place to explore how vulnerable groups, like caregivers of young children, can help prevent the spread of cholera.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Design and Population\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study utilized a cross-sectional study, focusing on caregivers of children under five living in Ibadan North Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Population and Sampling\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study targeted caregivers of children under five years old. A multi-stage sampling technique was used:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA multi-stage sampling technique was used to ensure a random, unbiased selection of caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 1: Selection of Wards (Simple Random Sampling; SRS)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· Six wards were randomly selected from the 12 total wards using SRS (random number generator) without stratification.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 2: Selection of Streets within Each Ward (Simple Random Sampling)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· Five streets per ward were randomly selected using SRS from the list of streets in each selected ward.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 3: Selection of Households within Streets (Simple Random Sampling)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· Within each selected street, a list of all households with under-five children was created through direct identification.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· A fixed number of households were randomly selected using SRS (random number generator).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· If a selected household did not have an eligible caregiver or declined participation, another pre-randomized household was approached to maintain randomness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 4: Selection of Respondents within Households (Simple Random Sampling)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· In households with multiple eligible caregivers, one caregiver was randomly selected using SRS (using a random number generator).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Objectives\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain Objective:\u003c/strong\u003e To assess the level of preventive practices related to cholera among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria, and identify the Socio-demographic factors influencing these practices\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific objectives\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;To identify the cholera preventive practices employed by caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;To identify the handwashing practices employed by caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;To examine the association between caregivers’ socio-demographic factors and their preventive practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Collection and Instrumentation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData was collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, which was divided into two sections; section A: Socio-demographic characteristic and section B: Cholera preventive practices\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEligibility Criteria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInclusion criteria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Caregivers of children under five years old, aged 15 years and above.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Individuals willing to provide informed consent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExclusion criteria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Caregivers without consistent, long-term responsibility for under-five children.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Caregivers unable to provide informed consent due to language barriers, cognitive impairments, or other limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Analysis and Management\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were coded and entered to SPSS (version 28) for analysis. Data cleaning involved checking for missing values, outliers, and logical inconsistencies. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics and preventive practices. Over-sampling was done intentionally to account for potential non-responses or data inconsistencies, and since all responses were valid, they were included in the final analysis resulting in the final sample size being 311 instead of the calculate 297.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor inferential analysis:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eChi-square test\u003c/strong\u003e was used to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and cholera preventive practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBinary logistic regression\u003c/strong\u003e was conducted to identify factors predicting cholera preventive practices among caregivers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignificance was set at p = 0.05, and findings were presented in tables and figure for clarity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreventive practice Score\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eoverall preventive practice\u003c/strong\u003e score was computed using response from both handwashing practices and other questions on preventive practices. The response was categorized as rarely=1, sometimes=2 and always=3 minimum score was 22 and maximum score was 66. The computed score is further categorized into poor and good preventive practices. Those that scored 22-44 were classified as having poor preventive practices and 45-66 was classified as having good preventive practice. Respondents that answered \u003cstrong\u003ealways\u003c/strong\u003e to the questions were classified as having good preventive practice compared to those that answered \u003cstrong\u003erarely and sometimes\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the handwashing practices, the score was computed using the same categories as the overall preventive practice. The minimum score was 10 and the maximum score was 30, 10-20 was categorized as poor handwashing practice which is the total score for people that choose rarely and sometimes, while respondents that scored 21-30 was categorized as having good handwashing practices which were respondents which answered always to the questions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other preventive practices were also computed and categorized following the same method as above and the minimum score was 12 and the maximum was 36. Scores from 12-24 was categorized as poor practice and score from 25-36 was categorized as good practice.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMultivariate analysis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the multivariate analysis, binary logistic regression analysis between socio-demographic characteristic and the preventive practices. Due to low response for some categories, some were removed, and some were merged. For religion traditional religion has only one response so it was removed. For occupation, they were recategorized into non workers (students and unemployed), formal workers (private employees and civil servants) and informal workers (self-employed and traders). \u0026nbsp;For marital status, divorced and widows were merged. The overall preventive practice was used because it includes both the handwashing practices and the other questions on preventive practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Considerations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical approval was obtained from the Oyo State Ministry of Health Research Ethics Committee. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose, risks, and benefits. Confidentiality was maintained, and participation was voluntary. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSocio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 311 caregivers participated in the study. The majority were females 92.9% and married 87.1%, and the predominant age group was 25-34 years (56.3%). Most respondents had secondary 51.4% or tertiary education 38.3%, and a significant proportion were traders 49.8%, or self-employed 28.3%. A notable percentage had one 68.2% or two 28.3% children under the age of five (table 1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCholera Preventive Practices\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 2 presents the frequency of cholera preventive practices among caregivers. About 67.2% of respondents reported always keeping their household environment clean, while 54.7% ensured proper disposal of human waste. Additionally, 58.5% of caregivers always ensured that food was thoroughly cooked before serving, and 46.6% reported washing fruits with clean water before consumption. A total of 55.0% avoided using contaminated water sources, and 58.8% ensured that household members used latrines or toilets properly. Furthermore, 67.8% of respondents reported keeping their children away from areas with cholera outbreaks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandwashing Practices\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 3 highlights handwashing behaviours among caregivers. Approximately 50.5% of respondents always washed their hands before feeding their children, while 70.1% reported always washing hands after using the toilet. About 67.8% of caregivers consistently washed their hands after eating, while 52.4% reported washing hands after handling household waste. However, only 39.2% always used soap during handwashing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategories of preventive practice\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 4 presents the categories of preventive practices among respondents. Out of the total, 70 individuals (22.5%) exhibited poor practices, scoring between 10-20. In contrast, a significant majority, 241 individuals (77.5%), demonstrated good practice, scoring between 21-30. The table also shows the details the categories of handwashing practices among respondents. A total of 38 individuals (12.2%) were classified as having poor handwashing practices, with scores ranging from 12 to 24. Conversely, a substantial majority, 273 individuals (87.8%), demonstrated good handwashing practices, scoring between 25 and 36. The overall preventive practice was also calculated and categorized by computing the previous questions on preventive practice and handwashing practice. Out of the total, 59 individuals (19.0%) were categorized as having poor preventive practices, scoring between 22 and 44. In contrast, a significant majority, 252 individuals (81.0%), demonstrated good preventive practices, with scores ranging from 45 to 66.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociation Between Socio-Demographic Factors and Preventive Practices (Chi-Square Test)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChi-square analysis revealed significant associations between several socio-demographic characteristics and cholera preventive practices: Education level: Caregivers with tertiary education had significantly better preventive practices compared to those with lower education levels (\u003cem\u003e\u0026chi;\u0026sup2; = 51.428, p \u0026lt; 0.001\u003c/em\u003e). Occupation: Formal workers (civil servants and private employees) had better preventive practices compared to traders (\u003cem\u003e\u0026chi;\u0026sup2; = 25.111, p \u0026lt; 0.001\u003c/em\u003e). Marital status and number of children under five did not show significant associations with preventive practices (\u003cem\u003ep \u0026gt; 0.05\u003c/em\u003e) (Table 5).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFactors Influencing Preventive Practices (Binary logistic regression analysis)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLogistic regression analysis (Table 6) showed that: Caregivers with primary education had lower odds of engaging in cholera preventive practices (OR = 0.083, 95% CI: 0.01\u0026ndash;0.63, p = 0.01). Those in formal employment had significantly better preventive practices than non-workers (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06\u0026ndash;0.92, p = 0.04). Caregivers with three children under five were more likely to engage in preventive practices (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.04\u0026ndash;4.10, p = 0.04)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResult Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"_Toc189147561\"\u003eTable 1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSocio-Demographic Characteristics\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency (no)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 483px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Mean\u0026plusmn;SD) \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;32.14\u0026plusmn;6.41 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15-24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25-34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e175\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35-44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 483px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e289\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 483px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e147\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditional\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthnicity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHausa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIgbo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYoruba\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e294\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKataf\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEbira\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAkwa Ibom\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 483px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital Status\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e271\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDivorced/ Widowed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 483px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevel of Education\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo Formal Education\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e160\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 483px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOccupation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrader\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCivil servant\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrivate Employee\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf Employed\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 483px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChild/Children under the age of five\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 child\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 children\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 255px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 children\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"_Toc189147565\"\u003eTable 2Cholera Preventive Practices\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"548\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eS/N\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItems\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRarely\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSometimes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlways\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you purify your water before use?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(11.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(48.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(39.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you ensure that all human waste in your household is properly disposed of in a latrine or toilet?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(5.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(40.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e170\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(54.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you keep your household environment clean to prevent cholera?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(31.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e209\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(67.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you ensure that food is thoroughly cooked before serving it to your family?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(7.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(33.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e182\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(58.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you wash fruits with clean water before your family consumes them?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(7.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(46.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(46.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you avoid using water sources known to be contaminated?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(7.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e116\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(37.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e171\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(55.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you disinfect household items to prevent the spread of cholera?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(11.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e141\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(45.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(43.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you ensure that everyone in your household uses latrine or toilet properly?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(7.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e104\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(33.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e183\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(58.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you keep your children away from areas where cholera outbreaks have been reported?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(2.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(29.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e211\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(67.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you avoid contact with individuals who are infected with cholera to prevent its spread?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(4.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(30.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e204\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(65.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"_Toc189147566\"\u003eTable 3 Handwashing Practices Among Respondents\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"530\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eS/N\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItems\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRarely\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSometimes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlways\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you wash your hands before feeding the child under your care?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(5.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(44.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e157\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(50.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you wash your hands before and after cooking or preparing food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(9.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(46.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(44.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you wash your hands before breastfeeding or bottle-feeding the child?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(7.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(46.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e143\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(46.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you wash your hands before eating?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(44.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e166\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(53.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you wash your hands after eating?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(0.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(31.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e211\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(67.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you wash your hands after using the toilet or latrine?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(1.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(28.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e218\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(70.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you wash your hands after changing the child\u0026apos;s diaper or cleaning up after the child?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(2.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(37.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e186\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(59.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you wash your hands after handling raw food (e.g., meat or fish)?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(10.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e151\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(48.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e128\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(41.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you wash your hands after handling household waste or garbage?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(2.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(44.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(52.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you wash your hands after encountering unclean surfaces, such as door handles or public spaces?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(14.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e156\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(50.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e111\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(35.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you use soap when washing your hands?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(4.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e176\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(56.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(39.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 39px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 254px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow often do you wash your hands with soap and clean water?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(2.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 88px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e165\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(53.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(44.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"_Toc189147567\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;Table 4 Categories of preventive practice, handwashing practice and overall preventive practices.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory (Score: minimum= 10, maximum=30)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor practice (10-20)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70 (22.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood practice (21-30)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e241 (77.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 482px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategories of handwashing practice\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory (Score: Minimum= 12, maximum=36)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor handwashing practice (12-24)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (12.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood handwashing practice (25-36)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e273 (87.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 482px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal level preventive practice\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory (Score: minimum =22, maximum= 66)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor preventive practice (22-44)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59 (19.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 359px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood preventive practice (45-66)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e252 (81.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 5 Association between socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and Cholera preventive practices\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSocio-demographic factors \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 350px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCholera preventive practices\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoor (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026chi;\u0026sup2;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15-24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (23.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (76.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.894\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.117\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25-34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25 (14.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e150 (85.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35-44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24 (25.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72 (75.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (28.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (71.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (81.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.922\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55 (19.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e234 (81.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthnicity\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYoruba\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59 (20.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e235 (79.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.210\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.240\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHausa\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIgbo\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristian\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (15.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125 85.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.242\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.198\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37 (22.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126 (77.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditional\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (100.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (8.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (91.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.817\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.421\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51 (18.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e220 (81.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (33.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (66.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (16.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (83.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevel of education\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (17.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 (82.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.428\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 (31.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e110 (68.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e119 (100.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (55.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (44.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOccupation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrader\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (26.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e114 (73.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.111\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (100.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCivil Servant\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrivate Employee\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (100.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (42.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (57.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf employed\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (13.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76 (86.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 539px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of children under the age of five\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 child\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44 (20.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e168 (79.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 children\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (15.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e74 (84.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 189px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 children\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 6 \u0026nbsp;Logistic Regression Analysis of Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with cholera Preventive Practices\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariables\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOdd ratios\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95% confidence interval\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP-value\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge in years\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15-24 (ref)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25-34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.44-5.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35-34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.35-4.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.17-5.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale (ref)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.33-4.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity (ref)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.41-1.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle (ref)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.12-3.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05-5.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.16-66.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevel of Education\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal education (ref)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.95-1.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.083\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.01-0.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.01\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOccupation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNon workers (Students and unemployed) (ref)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFormal workers (Private employees and civil servants)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06-0.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.04\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInformal workers (Self-employed and Traders)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of children under the age of five\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 child (ref)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 children\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.04-4.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.04\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 283px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 children\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 180px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e This study examined cholera preventive practices among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria. The findings revealed that while many caregivers practiced key preventive measures such as handwashing and sanitation, some gaps remained, particularly in water treatment and food hygiene.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHandwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cholera, yet not all caregivers practiced it consistently. While over 70% reported washing their hands after using the toilet, fewer did so before they feed their children or preparing meals. This pattern aligns with studies in Nigeria and other developing countries, where knowledge of hand hygiene is high, but actual practice varies due to factors such as water scarcity and ingrained habits [4; 13].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe purification of water also standout as a major concern in the study, with less than a half of caregivers treating their drinking water regularly. This gap is large, considering that unsafe water is one of the major ways in which cholera can spreads. A similar trend was observed in Tanzania, where cholera outbreaks kept occurring due to inadequate water treatment practices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. These findings imply the urgent need for more achievable water treatment solutions, along with better education to help caregivers understand why water treatment is so important.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe level of education made a significant difference in how caregivers addressed cholera prevention. Those with tertiary education were more likely to practice good hygiene and proper sanitation. This supports previous studies revealing that higher education often associated with better health choices and sound disease prevention efforts [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Surprisingly, factors such as occupation and gender didn\u0026rsquo;t make much of an impact on prevention practices, indicating that efforts to curb cholera should focus more on enhancing education and access to resources instead of relying solely on demographic categories.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, these findings underscore the urgent need for ongoing public health education, increased access to clean water, and community-based interventions. Such efforts are necessary to promote continuous cholera prevention practices among caregivers. By focusing on these areas, we can better equip families to protect their children and reduce the effect of cholera in vulnerable communities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study found that caregivers in Ibadan North are generally aware of cholera prevention measures, but their adherence to these practices varies. While proper sanitation and handwashing are commonly practiced, gaps continue to persist in treatment of water and food hygiene. Education significantly influences preventive behaviours; caregivers with higher levels of education are more likely to engage in cholera prevention. To strengthen cholera control efforts, interventions should focus on increasing access to clean water, promoting household water treatment, and enhancing health education programs for caregivers. By addressing these areas, we can significantly reduce cholera outbreaks, safeguarding the health of young children and the wider community.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommendations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eStrengthen Health Education and Community Engagement\u003c/strong\u003e: Increased public awareness campaigns focused on cholera prevention is critical. This includes community education about proper handwashing practices, safe water usage, and good sanitation practices. Involvement of community leaders can increase acceptance and encourage adherence to these measures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eImprove Access to Clean Water and Sanitation:\u003c/strong\u003e The government and stakeholders should invest in clean water supply systems, promote household water treatment, and ensure that proper waste disposal facilities are available, particularly in high-risk areas.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eIntegrate Cholera Prevention into Routine Healthcare Services\u003c/strong\u003e: Integrating cholera education into antenatal and postnatal clinics can effectively help caregivers in cholera prevention. This approach encourages sustained hygiene practices and ensures that families are informed about cholera prevention practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003ePolicy Implementation and Support:\u003c/strong\u003e Strengthening government policies on cholera prevention is essential. This includes ensuring consistent funding and support for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives, which are essential for reducing cholera transmission in vulnerable communities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInformed consent was obtained from participants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical approval was obtained from the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Ibadan, Oyo State. All procedures were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Dr. Dairo ([email protected]), and also the primary Author A.A Kaka ([email protected] ) upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors’ contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbidemi Ayoola Kaka and Magbagbeola David Dairo \u0026nbsp;designed the study. A.A Kaka collected and analyzed the data. A.A Kaka] wrote the manuscript. M.D Dairo supervised the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe thank the caregivers who participated in this study and the research assistants who supported data collection.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbaje, I. B., Abdullahi, N., \u0026amp; Jeje, O. G. (2016). Climate change and infectious diseases in funtua local government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. \u003cem\u003eAFRREV STECH: An International Journal of Science and Technology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e5\u003c/em\u003e(1), 47-58.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdagbada, A. O., Adesida, S. A., Nwaokorie, F. O., Niemogha, M. T., \u0026amp; Coker, A. O. (2012). Cholera epidemiology in Nigeria: An overview. \u003cem\u003ePan African Medical Journal, 12\u003c/em\u003e, 59. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2012.12.59.1627\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAigbiremolen, A. O., Abejegah, C., Ike, C. G., Momoh, J. A., Lawal-Luka, R. K., \u0026amp; Abah, S. O. (2015). Knowledge and practice of hand washing among caregivers of under-five children in a rural Nigerian community. \u003cem\u003ePublic Health Res\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e5\u003c/em\u003e(5), 159-165.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDatta, S.S.; Singh, Z.; Boratne, A.V.; Senthilvel, V.; Bazroy, J.; Dimri, D. Knowledge and practice of hand washing among mothers of under five children in rural coastal South India. Int. J. Med. Public health 2011, 1, 33-38.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEbob, T. (2020). An overview of cholera epidemiology: a focus on Africa; with a keen interest on Nigeria. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Tropical Disease \u0026amp; Health\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e41\u003c/em\u003e(3), 1-17.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElimian, K. O., Musah, A., Mezue, S., Oyebanji, O., Yennan, S., Jinadu, A., ... \u0026amp; Ihekweazu, C. (2019). Descriptive epidemiology of cholera outbreak in Nigeria, January\u0026ndash;November, 2018: implications for the global roadmap strategy. \u003cem\u003eBMC public health\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e19\u003c/em\u003e, 1-11.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFagbamila, I. O., Abdulkarim, M. A., Aworh, M. K., Uba, B., Balogun, M. S., Nguku, P., ... \u0026amp; Waziri, N. E. (2023). Cholera outbreak in some communities in North-East Nigeria, 2019: an unmatched case\u0026ndash;control study. \u003cem\u003eBMC Public Health\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e23\u003c/em\u003e(1), 446.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMengel, M. A., Delrieu, I., Heyerdahl, L., \u0026amp; Gessner, B. D. (2014). Cholera outbreaks in Africa. \u003cem\u003eCholera outbreaks\u003c/em\u003e, 117-144.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNational Population Commission. (2013). \u003cem\u003eNigeria demographic and health survey 2013\u003c/em\u003e. National Population Commission, ICF International.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNauja, R. H., Bugoye, F. C., \u0026amp; Rongo, L. M. B. (2019). Knowledge, perceptions and practices on cholera transmission and prevention measures among heads of household members in Kigamboni municipality, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. \u003cem\u003eInt J Res\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e7\u003c/em\u003e, 28-48.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNigeria Centre for Disease Control. (2019). \u003cem\u003eNational Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control\u003c/em\u003e. Abuja.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNigeria Centre for Disease Control. (2022). \u003cem\u003eSTOP Cholera: Strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) in Nigeria\u003c/em\u003e. Available at: https://ncdc.gov.ng/news/420/stop-cholera%3A-strengthening-water%2C-sanitation-and-hygiene%C2%A0%28wash%29-in-nigeria (accessed June 13, 2024).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOlaitan, O. M., Oluwatobi, T. K., Oluwaseun, P. V., Adaobi, O. S., Abiodun, M. A., Kayode, O. R., ... \u0026amp; Barakat, A. (2022). Cholera scourge in Nigeria: Promoting environmental sanitation practice to achieving good health for all. \u003cem\u003eJ Infect Dis Epidemiol\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e8\u003c/em\u003e, 1510246.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOloruntoba, E. O., Folarin, T. B., \u0026amp; Ayede, A. I. (2014). Hygiene and sanitation risk factors of diarrhoeal disease among under-five children in Ibadan, Nigeria. \u003cem\u003eAfrican health sciences\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e14\u003c/em\u003e(4), 1001-1011.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrivri, H., \u0026amp; Ogwezzy-Ndisika, A. (2023). Application of health belief model in understanding wash behaviour practices among mothers of U-5 children in Lagos urban slums. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e5\u003c/em\u003e(1), 91-104.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerez-Saez, J., Lessler, J., Lee, E. C., Luquero, F. J., Malembaka, E. B., Finger, F., ... \u0026amp; Azman, A. S. (2021). The seasonality of cholera in sub-Saharan Africa. \u003cem\u003emedRxiv\u003c/em\u003e, 2021-11.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnited Nations Children\u0026rsquo;s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). (2024). http://unicef.org/stories/cholera-is-endangering-children-globally\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization. (2016). Cholera and the Global Task Force on cholera control. Geneva, Switzerland.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization. (2022). \u003cem\u003eChild Mortality (Under-five years).\u003c/em\u003e Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-mortality-under-5-years\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Cholera prevention, caregivers, under-five children, hygiene practices, Nigeria","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6735133/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6735133/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c/strong\u003e: Cholera is a severe public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under the age of five, who are especially vulnerable due to their undeveloped immune systems. Effective prevention requires caregivers to follow set hygiene, sanitation, and water safety techniques. This study explored cholera prevention practices among caregivers of children under the age of five in Ibadan North, Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods: \u003c/strong\u003eA cross-sectional study was done among 311 caregivers selected through a multistage sample technique. Data were gathered using an interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic variables and cholera prevention techniques. SPSS version 28 was used to conduct descriptive and inferential analysis, such as chi-square and logistic regression.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults: \u003c/strong\u003eThe mean age of respondents was 32.14 ± 6.41 years, and the majority were female (92.9%) and married (87.1%). Respondents' prevention practices varied; while 67.2% kept their household surroundings always clean, only 39.9% purified their water before use. 44.7% of respondents routinely used soap to wash their hands, while 67.8% kept their children away from cholera-affected regions. Socio-demographic factors, including education and occupation, were significantly associated with good preventive practices (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that caregivers with tertiary education were significantly more likely to engage in good preventive practices (OR = 214.78, 95% CI: 35.00–1317.94, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion: \u003c/strong\u003eDespite increasing awareness of cholera prevention, caregivers continue to fail in implementing important preventative measures. To prevent cholera in Ibadan North, Nigeria, community-based health education must be strengthened, as well as access to safe water and sanitation facilities enhanced.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Cholera preventive practices among caregivers of under-five children in Ibadan North, Nigeria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-23 11:41:49","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6735133/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-09-19T20:37:36+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"14532190270775262187327855479405752241","date":"2025-08-25T07:54:47+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"25767942918411216667713380606982928726","date":"2025-08-19T02:48:46+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-03T12:17:23+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-07-26T19:08:53+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"2227753134094625559010049760526108495","date":"2025-07-26T18:22:44+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"271283556702418623076561360668064247076","date":"2025-07-24T16:23:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-21T17:29:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-07-08T21:24:00+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-06-24T22:11:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Public Health","date":"2025-06-24T22:08:42+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"0523d825-0c1b-4369-831d-dbea7f4ab33c","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 23rd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-23T16:14:10+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-6735133","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-01303-0","journal":{"identity":"discover-public-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Discover Public Health"},"publishedOn":"2026-02-20 15:57:17","publishedOnDateReadable":"February 20th, 2026"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-23 11:41:49","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12982-025-01303-0","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-01303-0","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6735133","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6735133","identity":"rs-6735133","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}