IMPACT OF PARENTS’ SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON CHOLERA AND KNOWLEDGE OF PREVENTION PRACTICES IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cholera remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting children in 
low-income communities where inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities persist. 
Socioeconomic disparities often determine the extent of household preventive capacity and access to 
safe water and sanitation resources. This study assessed the impacts of parental socioeconomic factors: 
income, education, and occupation on the effectiveness of cholera prevention and control among 
children in Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey involving 300 parents and caregivers was 
conducted using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square 
tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression to determine associations between socioeconomic factors and 
cholera prevention practices. Although, 86.7% of respondents had heard of cholera, awareness did 
not always translate into effective practices. Only 28% reported consistent handwashing with soap, 
56.7% treated drinking water, and 53% sought hospital care for diarrheal cases. Low-income 
households were significantly less likely to access clean water (OR = 0.41, p = 0.001), and parents 
without formal education were 71% less likely to practice regular handwashing than those with 
tertiary education (OR = 0.29, p < 0.001). Occupation also impact sanitation access, with farmers and 
students reporting the lowest coverage. Conclusively, socioeconomic disparities critically hinder 
cholera prevention and control among children, reinforcing vulnerability in poor households. 
Targeted WASH interventions, subsidized preventive resources, and community-based education 
tailored to parental literacy are essential to breaking the cholera transmission cycle and achieving 
Nigeria’s 2030 cholera elimination goals.