Cholera knowledge, socioeconomic and WaSH characteristics in Aden - Yemen, 2017: a community-based comparative survey

OBJECTIVES: To improve prevention and control response to the cholera outbreak, we sought to assess and compare the community’s cholera awareness and needs in high and low epidemic areas in Aden. METHODS: A community-based comparative survey was conducted in 2017. We used multi-stage cluster sampling. Eligible household heads in high and low epidemic areas were interviewed. The data collected from both areas using a pretested questionnaire. RESULTS: Cholera cases and mortality were higher in high epidemic areas compared with low epidemic areas. Socioeconomic, water, sanitation, and hygienic conditions were poorer in high epidemic areas compared with low epidemic areas. Knowledge of cholera transmission and prevention was sub-optimal in both areas. We found a mismatch between the delivered education and distributed preventive materials. CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders should tailor the design, content, and implementation of future cholera prevention and control methods to meet the needs of the community. Future educational camping should focus on the transmission prevention, including vaccination. Education and sustainable interventions should be implemented to improve the water, sanitation, and hygiene.