Exploring the Impact of Traditional Practices on Vibrio cholerae Outbreaks in Rural Nigerian Communities: A Field Study with Educational and Behavioral Interventions

This study examined the link between traditional practices, water stewardship, and cholera outbreaks in three rural Nigerian communities (Enugu, Delta, and Ondo States) in 2020. A sample of 180 participants, representing different socio-economic backgrounds, was surveyed using a mixed-methods approach. Knowledge-based pre-test and post-test measures were employed to assess changes in the understanding of cholera transmission, prevention, and water infrastructure. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, trust in traditional water sources, and cholera knowledge. Educational seminars were conducted, followed by six months, before administering the post-test to the same population. Key findings revealed that 47% of respondents washed animals in water sources, 42% did not treat their water, and 53% were unaware of cholera-reporting practices. The post-test results showed that 80% of participants could correctly identify cholera symptoms following educational interventions (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) program awareness was significantly associated with reduced cholera incidence (<i>p</i> = 0.005), while certain cultural practices, such as washing slaughtered animals in main water sources, were associated with increased cholera (<i>p</i> < 0.002). This study highlights the need for increased awareness of source water quality, better stewardship, and trust-building efforts to provide culturally appropriate interventions in mitigating these outbreaks.