Factors influencing persistence of cholera in Buguruni ward, Ilala municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

Cholera is still a problem in many developing countries. Cholera is mostly transmitted through faecally contaminated water or food remains which are an ever¬present risk in many countries. New outbreaks can occur sporadically in any part of the world where water supply, sanitation, food safety, and hygiene are inadequate. The objective of this study was to investigate factors for persistence of cholera in Buguruni ward. Methods of data collection included primary and secondary sources were used to capture people’s knowledge, attitude and perception towards cholera and factors for persistence of cholera. Excel, statistical package of social sciences (SPSS), was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that the main factor influencing the persistence of cholera in this area includes over-population characterized by unsafe drinking-water, poor and inadequate sanitation, poor solid waste management and poor hygienic practice of the people in particular area. Much of intervention measures in cholera prevention lie at the level of individual responsibility with regards to the practice of healthy hygiene and sanitation. Conclusion socio-economic aspects and human behaviour with regards the practice of healthy hygiene and sanitation, and health education, aimed at behaviour change is of greatly importance to prevent and control the persistence of cholera. Finally study recommends that the government should improve the life of people in urban areas by reducing the level of poverty.