Adegoke Musa Olatunji

CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS Fig. 1: Age The data shows the distribution of ages among primary healthcare attendees in Ogo Oluwa Local Government. The majority of attendees, 100 (100%), fall within the Total age group. This suggests a significant portion of the population seeking primary healthcare services are young adults. There is a broad age range represented, with attendees from under 20 to 40-49 years old. This indicates that primary healthcare services are being accessed by individuals across different life stages. It's worth noting that the frequency of attendees decreases as age increases. For instance, only 8.0% of attendees fall within the 40-49 age group (fig. 1). Fig. 2: Gender The data reveals the gender distribution among primary healthcare attendees in Ogo Oluwa Local Government. A majority of 59% of the attendees are female, while 37% are male. A small percentage of 4% identify as other. This suggests that women are more likely to seek primary healthcare services in this area (Fig.2). Fig. 3: Education The data indicates that the majority of primary healthcare attendees in Ogo Oluwa Local Government have attained tertiary education (56%). A significant number (36%) have completed secondary education. A smaller proportion have primary education (7%), while only 1% have no formal education. This suggests that the population accessing primary healthcare services in this area has a relatively high level of education (Fig.3). Fig. 4: Occupation The data shows that the majority of primary healthcare attendees in Ogo Oluwa Local Government are civil servants (43%). A significant number are also traders (31%). Farmers and artisans make up smaller proportions, at 17% and 9%, respectively. This suggests that the population accessing primary healthcare services in this area is diverse in terms of occupation, with civil servants and traders being the most prominent groups (Fig. 4). Fig. 5: Residence The data indicates that the majority of primary healthcare attendees in Ogo Oluwa Local Government reside in rural areas (75%), with a smaller proportion living in urban areas (25%). This suggests that primary healthcare services are being accessed by a predominantly rural population in this region. The data shows that an overwhelming majority (98%) of primary healthcare attendees in Ogo Oluwa Local Government have heard of cholera. Only a small minority (2%) have not. This indicates a high level of awareness about cholera within the population accessing primary healthcare services in this area. Among the 100 respondents who indicated having heard about cholera, the most common source of information was health centers (85.0%). This suggests that healthcare facilities play a crucial role in educating the community about cholera. Other sources of information included media (4.0%), community meetings (4.0%), and family or friends (6.0%). Schools seem to have played a lesser role in disseminating information about cholera, as only 1.0% respondent reported learning about it there. The data suggests that the majority of respondents (74%) correctly identified bacteria in contaminated food and water as the cause of cholera. However, a significant minority (22%) attributed cholera to poor hygiene and sanitation. Additionally, 4% of respondents cited witchcraft or spiritual causes as the cause of cholera. While poor hygiene and sanitation can contribute to the spread of cholera, it is essential to emphasize that the root cause is bacterial infection. Addressing misconceptions about the causes of cholera is crucial for effective prevention and control measures. The most commonly recognized symptom of cholera among the respondents is diarrhea (71%). This is followed by vomiting (23%), fever (4%), and abdominal cramps (2%). While these are indeed common symptoms of cholera, it's important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Early recognition of these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of the disease. The data suggests that the majority of respondents (79%) correctly identified drinking contaminated water as the primary mode of cholera transmission. Eating contaminated food was also recognized as a significant mode of transmission (18%). A smaller proportion (3%) mentioned sharing utensils as a potential mode of transmission, which is less common. The most commonly recognized preventive measure for cholera among the respondents is drinking clean or boiled water (76%). This is followed by handwashing with soap (21%) and properly cooking food (2%). Only a small proportion (1%) mentioned avoiding public gatherings as a preventive measure, which is not a primary strategy for cholera prevention. These findings highlight the importance of promoting safe water and food handling practices, as well as regular handwashing, to prevent the spread of cholera. Public health campaigns should focus on these key preventive measures to reduce the burden of cholera in the community. The data suggests that a majority of respondents (92%) are aware of the existence of a cholera vaccine. However, 8% of respondents were unaware of its availability. This indicates a relatively high level of awareness about the cholera vaccine within the population accessing primary healthcare services in Ogo Oluwa Local Government. Fig. The data indicates that a significant proportion of respondents (88.9%) have been vaccinated against cholera, either personally or through family members. A smaller percentage (7.1%) have not been vaccinated, while 3% are unsure about their vaccination status. This suggests that cholera vaccination is relatively common among the population accessing primary healthcare services in Ogo Oluwa Local Government. The majority of respondents (57%) wash their hands with soap after using the toilet, which is a good hygiene practice. Additionally, 32% wash their hands before preparing food, and 6% wash their hands before eating. However, a concerning 5% of respondents rarely wash their hands with soap. Promoting regular handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet, is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases, including cholera. Public health campaigns should emphasize the importance of this simple yet effective hygiene practice. The majority of respondents (77%) rely on tap water as their primary source of drinking water. A significant number (21%) use borehole water. A very small proportion of respondents (1% each) use stream/river water or well water. While tap water is generally considered a safe source of drinking water, it's important to ensure that the water is properly treated and free from contamination. Regular testing and monitoring of water quality are essential to safeguard public health. Fig. The majority of respondents (87%) regularly treat their drinking water at home. A smaller proportion (12%) treat their water sometimes, while 1% never treat their water. This indicates a high level of awareness about the importance of water treatment in preventing waterborne diseases, including cholera. The most common method of water treatment among respondents is boiling (84%). A smaller proportion use chlorine tablets (13%), while a few (3%) rely on filtering their water. Boiling is an effective method for killing waterborne pathogens, including the bacteria that cause cholera. However, it's important to ensure that the water is boiled for the appropriate duration to ensure complete disinfection. The majority of respondents (80%) have access to a toilet facility within their homes. A smaller proportion (15%) have access to a toilet outside their homes. However, a concerning 5% of respondents still practice open defecation. Access to safe sanitation facilities is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases, including cholera. Promoting the construction of household toilets and improving sanitation infrastructure is essential for public health in the region. The majority of respondents (53%) perceive the risk of cholera in their community as very high. A significant number (17%) consider it high, while 22% view it as moderate. Only a small proportion (8%) perceive the risk as low. This indicates a high level of concern about the potential for cholera outbreaks in the community. Factors such as poor sanitation, inadequate water supply, and low levels of hygiene awareness may contribute to this perception. Fig. The majority of respondents (92%) believe that cholera can be easily prevented with the right practices. Only a small minority (4%) disagree, while another 4% are unsure. This optimistic outlook suggests a strong belief in the effectiveness of preventive measures like safe water and sanitation practices, as well as vaccination. The most frequently cited barrier to cholera prevention is the lack of clean water (63%). This is followed by a lack of knowledge (25%), cultural beliefs (7%), and the cost of preventive measures (5%). These findings highlight the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the persistence of cholera. Addressing these barriers through improved access to clean water, health education campaigns, and affordable preventive measures is crucial for reducing the burden of cholera in the community. Summary of Findings Knowledge and Awareness of Cholera i. High Awareness: A majority of respondents (98%) are aware of cholera. ii. Common Sources of Information: Health centers (85%) are the primary source of information, followed by media (4%), community meetings (4%), family/friends (6%), and schools (1%). iii. Accurate Understanding of Causes: Most respondents (74%) correctly identified bacteria in contaminated food and water as the cause of cholera. However, a significant minority (22%) attributed it to poor hygiene and sanitation, and 4% to witchcraft or spiritual causes. iv. Accurate Understanding of Symptoms: The most recognized symptom is diarrhea (71%), followed by vomiting (23%), fever (4%), and abdominal cramps (2%). v. Accurate Understanding of Transmission: The majority (79%) correctly identified drinking contaminated water as the primary mode of transmission, followed by eating contaminated food (18%). Preventive Practices and Perceptions i. Common Preventive Practices: The most common practices are drinking clean or boiled water (76%) and handwashing with soap (21%). ii. Awareness of Cholera Vaccine: A majority (92%) are aware of the cholera vaccine, and 88.9% have been vaccinated or have family members who have. iii. Perception of Cholera Risk: A high proportion (53%) perceive the risk of cholera as very high, and 17% as high. iv. Belief in Preventability: Most respondents (92%) believe cholera can be prevented with the right practices. v. Barriers to Prevention: The most significant barrier is the lack of clean water (63%), followed by lack of knowledge (25%), cultural beliefs (7%), and cost (5%).