Publication Details
Abstract
Cholera is a serious waterborne disease that poses a recurring public health threat in Iraq, particularly due to challenges like poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and displacement. Despite ongoing health efforts, underscoring a need to understand how communities perceive and respond to the disease. A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey helps identify gaps in public awareness and behaviors related to cholera prevention and control. To evaluate public and university students’ awareness, perceptions, and behavioral responses regarding cholera in Iraq. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2025, using both online questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Chi-square tests were performed to explore associations between demographic variables and Knowledge, attitude, and practice levels. Among the 413 valid respondents, 64.9% were aged between 20–40 years, and 66.1% were female. Knowledge regarding cholera was relatively high: 91.5% recognized water as a transmission route, and 66% identified bacteria as the causative agent. Positive attitudes were reported, with 98.5% stating they would seek hospital care if symptoms occurred. Hygienic practices were strong—97.1% used proper sanitation, 97.8% used soap during handwashing, and 94.9% stored water in clean containers. However, 23.5% reported using medication without a prescription, and 21.5% reported using alternative treatments. The study revealed good overall awareness and preventive behaviors toward cholera. Nonetheless, gaps in knowledge and risky behaviors, particularly among younger individuals, highlight the need for targeted health education campaigns focusing on youth and discouraging self-medication