What is cholera? A preliminary study on caretakers' knowledge in Bangladesh.

Charlotte C Tamason,Peter K Mackie Jensen,Suhella M Tulsiani,A K Siddique,Bilqis A Hoque

doi:10.1186/s41043-016-0040-6

Abstract

BackgroundCholera has afflicted the Indian sub-continent for centuries, predominantly in West Bengal and modern-day Bangladesh. This preliminary study aims to understand the current level of knowledge of cholera in female Bangladeshi caretakers, which is important in the outcome of the disease and its spread. A pilot study was conducted among 85 women in Bangladesh using qualitative questionnaires to explore the ability of female caretakers in identifying cholera and its transmission.FindingsThe survey revealed that though all the female caretakers were aware of the term “cholera,” nearly a third of the respondents did not associate diarrhea with cholera or mentioned symptoms that could not be caused by cholera (29 %). Approximately half of the respondents associated water with the cause of cholera (56 %) and only 8 % associated cholera with sanitation or hygiene. Shame and stigma (54 %) were more commonly described than death (47 %) as negative effects of cholera.ConclusionsThe results from this study are suggestive of a need for reformulation of cholera and diarrhea communication. Messaging should be based on signs of dehydration, foregoing the use of medical terminology.

Highlights

Cholera has afflicted the Indian sub-continent for centuries, predominantly in West Bengal and modern-day Bangladesh
The results from this study are suggestive of a need for reformulation of cholera and diarrhea communication
Messaging should be based on signs of dehydration, foregoing the use of medical terminology

Summary

Methods

This study consisted of two study sites: Dhaka and Shyamnagar, representing urban and rural Bangladesh, respectively.The study sites in Dhaka included in this study were Kurail, Sattala, Kallanpur, Basila, and Rupnagar slum areas.Shyamnagar is an Upazilla (sub-district), located in the southwest Bangladesh. This study consisted of two study sites: Dhaka and Shyamnagar, representing urban and rural Bangladesh, respectively. The study sites in Dhaka included in this study were Kurail, Sattala, Kallanpur, Basila, and Rupnagar slum areas. Shyamnagar is an Upazilla (sub-district), located in the southwest Bangladesh. The survey was conducted in Shyamnagar, Sathkira, Munshingonj, BuriGoalini, Ramzan-Nagor, Atolia, and Padmapukur Unions. The study population included 85 women caretakers (43 from Shyamnagar and 42 from Dhaka) between the ages of 18 and 55 years with household caretaker responsibilities. A caretaker was defined as the person that is primarily in charge of caring for children, cooking, cleaning, and collecting water or oversees these activities for the household

Results

Discussion

Conclusion