Abstract / Summary
Abstract Cholera remains a major global health threat, affecting millions annually, with children in Zambia facing significant challenges due to poor sanitation and limited accessto clean water and sanitation. Kanyama, a peri-urban settlement in Lusaka, experiencesfrequent outbreaks, disproportionately impacting children. This study aimed at examiningthe incidence of cholera among children aged (0-18) years at Kanyama Level 1 Hospital from (2023-2024), exploring contributing demographic, socio-economic, andenvironmental factors, and aiming to provide evidence-based interventions to reduce the disease burden in this high-risk population. This study utilized a retrospective descriptive- analytical study with a quantitative approach involving 138 children who presented with a confirmed case of cholera at the hospital. Data was collected through secondary sources involving the hospitals public health unit records. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social sciences (SPSS) version 20 into descriptive and inferential statistics with tables, pie-charts and bar-graphs. The study of 138 children revealed that younger children under 5 years were significantly more vulnerable to cholera, with 1.75 times higher odds of infection (95% CI: 1.10–2.85, p = 0.02). Larger households (>8members) had more than double the risk (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.30–3.75, p = 0.01), while low parental education increased cholera odds by 1.95 times (95% CI: 1.15–3.20, p = 0.03). Treatment delays were highly predictive, raising risk almost threefold (OR = 2.80;95% CI: 1.75–4.50, p = 0.001). Environmental factors were also significant. Use of unsafewater sources increased cholera risk (p = 0.002), and lack of water treatment further elevated risk (p = 0.002). Open defecation showed a strong association with cholera (p = 0.001). Water chlorination was protective, reducing cholera by 50% (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.30–0.80, p = 0.005).Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between cholera incidence and household size (r = 0.25), education (r = –0.28), treatment delay (r= 0.35), water source (r = 0.31), and sanitation (r = 0.39). Therefore, cholera incidence among children is significantly influenced by younger age, large household size, and lower parental education, indicating the role of demographic and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Delays in seeking treatment further exacerbate the risk, underscoring the need for improved healthcare accessibility. On the environmental aspect, reliance on unsafe water sources, inconsistent water treatment, and inadequate sanitation facilities are major contributors to cholera outbreaks. Effective intervention strategies must therefore, focus on education, safe water access, timely treatment, and improved sanitation to reduce cholera incidence in vulnerable communities.