RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF TYPHOID FEVER INFECTION AMONG PATIENTS WHO VISITED GOBA REFERRAL AND ROBE GENERAL HOSPITALS IN BALE ZONE, SOUTH EASTERN ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT Typhoid fever remains a significant public health challenge in low-resource settings, particularly in regions like the Bale Zone, Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of typhoid fever and its associated risk factors by analyzing five years of patient records (2018–2022) from Robe General Hospital and Goba Referral Hospital. A total of 500,000 patient records were reviewed, with 4,542 confirmed cases of typhoid fever, resulting in an overall prevalence of 9.1 cases per 1,000 records. The analysis revealed significant variations in prevalence across demographic groups and residence types, Females exhibited a higher prevalence (9.14 cases per 1,000 records) than males (9.02 cases per 1,000 records)(χ2=19.6, df =1, p=0.009), highlighting gender-specific exposure risks. Adults aged 25-64 years and adolescents aged 15-24 years were the most affected, with prevalence rates of 9.3 and 9.1 cases per 1,000 records, (χ2=31.15, df = 4, p=0.039), respectively.Whilechildrenaged 5-14 years, elderly individuals (>64 years) and infants (0–4 years) recorded the lowest prevalence. Rural residents demonstrated a higher prevalence (9.2 cases per 1,000 records) compared to urban residents (9.0 cases per 1,000 records),(χ2 = 16.5, df = 1, p=0.045).Emphasizing the structural and environmental challenges in rural communities. Inferential statistics confirmed significant associations between typhoid fever prevalence,demographic and residential, factors. Chi-square analysis identified the association between sex, age group and residence as significant predictors of prevalence, while logistic regression quantified the risks. Females had 1.987 times higher odds of typhoid fever compared to males, (OR=1.987, 95% CI: 1.931-2.046, p<0.001).Adults had 1.992 times higher odds of typhoid feverCompared to infants (OR=1.992, 95% CI: 1.830–2.186, p=0.042)andrural residents were 1.988 times more likely to contract typhoid feverthan their urban counterparts(OR=1.988, 95% CI: 1.932– 2.048, p=0.045). The findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, including improved water and sanitation infrastructure, enhanced hygiene practices, and better healthcare access,especially in rural areas. Seasonal preparedness and gender-sensitive programs are essential to reduce disease transmission. 1