Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population with regard to cholera in a riverside district of the Urban Community of Niamey

Introduction: Cholera is an acute, epidemic, recurrent diarrhoeal disease in Niger. The aim of this study was to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the populations living near the urban community of Niamey in terms of disease prevention. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the populations of a neighborhood bordering the Niger River. Data on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of heads of households towards cholera were collected through a questionnaire. Results: A total of 150 heads of households or representatives were interviewed; the female sex was in the majority with 59.33%. The 21 to 30 age group was the most represented with 37.33%. Housewives were the most observed with 32%. The uneducated were 29.33%. Diarrhoea was the most well-known sign of cholera with 76%, knowledge of the signs of cholera was significantly associated with education. Word of mouth was the main source of information with 56.67%. Lack of hygiene was the most reported risk factor with 60.67%, knowledge of risk factors was significantly associated with age. The respondents who reported the non-existence of a treatment for cholera were 35.57%; 17.33% practiced handwashing with water only. Conclusion: The study highlighted a satisfactory level of knowledge about cholera, a level of knowledge that contrasts with the practices of the populations and does not promote efforts to control and eliminate cholera in our regions. Keywords: Cholera, knowledge, attitudes, practices, Niamey, Niger.