Assessing cholera knowledge among internally displaced persons in Kassala, Sudan: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Infographic summarizing a cross-sectional study of 389 internally displaced persons in Kassala, Sudan. Key findings include high awareness of handwashing (99.2%) and contaminated water (97.2%), alongside important misconceptions regarding bloody diarrhea (48.6% incorrectly identified it as a symptom) and vaccine duration (66.1% believed protection lasts less than one year). Structural challenges include overcrowding (44% living in 5–7 person units), water insecurity (67.9% relying on public taps), and income loss (67.6% reporting no income). Recommendations include addressing misconceptions, engaging community leaders and camp health staff, and strengthening WASH infrastructure. Background: Cholera remains a significant public health challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study assessed knowledge regarding cholera among IDPs in Kassala, Sudan, a region experiencing a recent outbreak. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 389 IDPs aged 5–65 years in Kassala between October and December 2024. Data were collected using a digital and paper-based Arabic questionnaire, with stratified random sampling across different education levels. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of cholera causes, symptoms, prevention, and attitudes toward oral cholera vaccination. Data were analyzed using SPSS v28.0.0, including descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: About 38.8% were aged 5–18, and 62.5% were male. Most were displaced from Khartoum (51.2%), lived in camps (71.7%), lacked stable income (67.6%), and relied on public faucets (67.9%). High awareness of causes was observed: over 93% identified poor hygiene, contaminated water/food, and open defecation (p < 0.001). Key symptoms such as watery diarrhoea (97.7%), vomiting (90%), and severe dehydration (85.9%) were widely recognized. Preventive measures like handwashing (99.2%), water treatment (97.9%), and vaccination (92.8%) were well known (p < 0.001). Conclusion: IDPs in Kassala show strong cholera knowledge. However, improving water, sanitation, and income stability is essential for effective prevention.