Ethiopian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (EFELTP) Compiled Body of Works in Field Epidemiology

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: An estimated 2.8 million and 87,000 cholera cases occur annually in endemic and non-endemic countries respectively. It remains a significant public health problem in many parts of the world where water supply, sanitation, food safety, and hygiene are inadequate. This problem occurred in the study woredas. The study aimed to determine the risk factor(s) associated with increased cholera transmission. Methods: The study conducted in 4 woredas from July-August 2016 using unmatched case-control study design with 1:2 cases to controls ratio. Cases selected from Mikililand Cholera treatment center and controls from general community in the same woreda to the cases by lottery method. Data collected using semi structured questionnaire. Data checked for its consistency and completeness. Verbal consent obtained from respondents. Written letter of permission received from local authorities. Epi Info and statistical package for the social science softwares used for data entry and analysis. Each independent variable analyzed by bi-variable logistic regression. All independent variables analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to identify the strong risk factor/s for the cholera transmission in the study area. The association between risk factor/s for infection among cases and controls expressed as crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p<0.05. Result: There were a total of 206 cases with an attack rate 0.2. Males accounted 113(55%) and females accounted 93(45%). Average ages of affected population 36.54 years with range 2-96 years. Consuming any type of raw meat with AOR 11.842; 95%CI, (4.10-34.25), p<.001; eating outside home at gathering with AOR 13.52; 95%CI(5.88-31.10), p<0.001; those drinking local beverage (Tela) with AOR 3.93; 95%CI(1.45-10.65), p<0.007; Irregular hand washing and not using soap before meal with AOR 5.23; 95%CI(1.20-22.80), p<.028; and visiting sick patients with AOR 19.34; 95%CI(6.87-54.48), p<0.001 were identified risk factors for cholera disease. Conclusion and recommendation: Cholera highly attacked males, 15-44 years age groups, and daily laborer populations. The risk factors for the occurrence of cholera disease were poor hygienic practice, exposure to uncooked foods and eating outside the home. Intensive community awareness by addressing all population groups and strengthening regulatory activities are the main area to work. Key words: Cholera, Outbreak, Kolfe sub city, Addis Ababa