An Assesment of Community Perception on Cholera Prevention in Nakuru West Sub -County, Nakuru County , Kenya

Abstract

Cases of Cholera have been on the increase in Kenya especially in Rhoda Ward within Nakuru West Sub-County. The purpose of the study was to assess the community perception on cholera prevention among residents specifically in Rhonda, Nakuru West Sub-County. Specific objectives included assessing the knowledge of cholera among the people of Nakuru West Sub-County, Nakuru County, determining the effect of culture on cholera prevention in Nakuru West Sub-County, finding out attitudes of people towards those suffering from cholera in Nakuru West Sub-County, and establishing community practices that people associate with cholera spread in Nakuru West Sub-County. Health Belief Model was the main theoretical framework for this study. It adopted a crossectional descriptive survey research design which involved a combination of multistage, simple random and purposive sampling techniques. In total, a sample of 196 was drawn from Rhoda Ward. Questionnaire was the main research tool. Pilot study was carried out with a different set of population and in a different area which was not covered in the final research. Data analysis was conducted with the help of SPSS version 21. Findings of the study revealed that although a good number of respondents reported having heard about cholera, there was a sizable portion of the population who had never heard about this disease. The majority of respondent who had knowledge of disease believed that it is caused by eating contaminated foods or taking un-treated water. Findings also revealed that culture played a role in the spread of cholera and that community had negative attitude towards people suffering from cholera. The study also disclosed that most of the respondents were not using soap for washing hands. The study concludes there is limited knowledge bout cholera and practices that contribute to the spread of the disease within the study population. There is also a negative attitude towards persons who contract the disease. The study recommends sensitization campaigns and education of the populace on cholera prevention and early treatment.