Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Survey on Cholera Among the Residents of Kadoma City, Zimbabwe 2024

Background Kadoma City has experienced repeated cholera outbreaks. The latest occurred in 2024 and affected all 17 administrative wards. In March 2024, a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted to inform planning and implementation of cholera preventive interventions. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted employing a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A sample size of 609 was calculated, and stratified sampling method was used to select households from which one member aged 18 years or above was interviewed. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire and analyzed using Epi Info 7.2.5™. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. Results We recruited 611 respondents with a median age of 31 years and majority, 399 (65.3%) were females. Three hundred and ninety-three (64.3%) respondents had completed secondary education, and 273 (44.7%) were self-employed. Drinking contaminated water was reported by 497 (81.3%) as a mode of cholera transmission while 525 (86.9%) reported handwashing with soap after visiting the toilet as a critical preventive measure. Overall, 356 (58.3%) had high knowledge of cholera. Attitudes were positive, 399 (65.3%) respondents agreed that cholera could be fatal if untreated, while 367 (60.1%) agreed that oral cholera vaccine (OCV) was an effective protective measure. Three hundred and thirty-seven (55.2%) reported disposing waste in refuse pits, 288 (47.1%) used plastic bins for collection by the council, and 127 (21%) reported disposing waste in neighborhood heaps. When asked about the preferred methods of receiving health related information, 413 (67.7%) preferred door-to-door campaigns and 345 (56.5%) preferred short message services (SMS). Conclusion Respondents demonstrated good cholera knowledge and positive attitudes, though gaps in sanitation were noted. We recommended improving waste collection in the city and incorporating health promotion messages in council utility bills and SMS sent to residents.