Determinants of Cholera Outbreak in Bati District and Bati Town, Oromo Special Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia (2024): An Unmatched Case-Control Study

Abstract Background: Cholera continues to pose a threat to public health and is frequently linked to injustice and a lack of social development. The study area has a history of recurrent cholera outbreaks. However, local risk factors remain unidentified, which challenges the targeted prevention and control measures. Therefore, this study identifies the potential risk factors and makes it easier to apply targeted interventions. Methods: We conducted a 1:1 unmatched case-control study (117 cases and 117 controls). An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS version 27 was used to calculate frequencies and odds ratios. We performed the enter method for binary logistic regression to determine the independent factors associated with cholera infection. Results: Interviews with 234 study participants showed a 1.7% case fatality rate and an overall attack rate of 32 per 10,000. Males had a higher chance of being affected by cholera [AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-5.1]. Attending a gathering increased the risk of cholera infection [AOR = 42.2, 95% CI: 13.6-55.1]. Those who didn’t wash their hands before a meal was more likely to contract cholera than those who did [AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.6-10.7]. Similarly, those who did not wash their hands with soap at key periods had an increased chance of contracting cholera [AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.6-10.7]. Consumption of water from an unprotected source increased the risk of cholera infection (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.4). Conclusions: In this study, the primary risk factors for the cholera outbreak were participating in social gatherings, using water from unprotected sources, and poor hygiene practices. Therefore, increasing access to safe drinking water sources, improving community awareness on good hygiene and sanitation practices, and promoting healthy social gatherings are priority interventions in the study area.