# Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Cholera Outbreak Among Medical Students in Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

A study in Yemen found that medical students have moderate knowledge and positive attitudes about cholera but lack preventive practices, highlighting the need for better education.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific knowledge gaps and poor preventive practices among Yemeni medical students regarding cholera.

## Key findings

- Medical students showed significant knowledge gaps in cholera severity, risk factors, and vaccine awareness.
- Only 70% of students had a positive attitude toward cholera, and practices like washing fruits and vegetables were poorly adhered to.
- Older students and females had better knowledge and practices, and sixth-year students scored highest in knowledge and attitudes.

## Abstract

Background

Cholera is a potentially life-threatening diarrheal disease if left untreated, transmitted via contaminated water or food, and linked mainly to poor sanitation. Yemen is facing a public health crisis with an increasing number of cases in 2024, underscoring the importance of improving awareness and the need for education to enhance prevention and management.

Methods

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2024. The data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire. Inferential analysis included independent t-tests for comparing two groups and one-way ANOVA for multiple groups, with a statistical significance threshold of p<0.05.

Results

The study surveyed 412 Yemeni medical students, predominantly male (65.5%) and single (86.7%), with a mean age of 22.48±2.6 years. The mean knowledge score was 7.35±2.36, and significant knowledge gaps in recognizing the range of severity of the disease, risk factors, complications, and vaccine awareness exist. The mean attitude score was 11.45±2.13 out of 15, with 70% showing a positive attitude. The practices score was poor, with a mean of 4.32±2.18 out of 9, with low adherence to preventive measures such as washing and peeling fresh fruits and vegetables (<30%). Our analysis showed significant associations, with age positively correlating with knowledge (r=0.262; p<0.001) and attitudes (r=0.17; p<0.001), while females scored higher in practices (p=0.002). Academic year significantly influenced knowledge (p<0.001) and attitudes (p=0.003), with sixth-year students scoring the highest.

Conclusion

While the Yemeni medical students demonstrated moderate knowledge and a generally positive attitude toward cholera, significant gaps in preventive practices were noted. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational programs on disease prevention, transmission, and management is essential to strengthen students' preparedness and improve public health outcomes.