The Causes and Effects of Cholera among Children

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Cholera remains a pressing public health concern, particularly in low-income countries where access to clean water and proper sanitation is limited. The disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Children, due to their underdeveloped immune systems and increased vulnerability to dehydration, suffer disproportionately from cholera infections, leading to significant morbidity and mortality (Ali et al., 2021). Historically, cholera has been associated with poor sanitary conditions, natural disasters, and conflict situations, which disrupt access to clean water and healthcare services (Mengel et al., 2022). Children living in overcrowded urban slums, refugee camps, and rural areas with inadequate water supply systems are at a higher risk of infection (Reyburn et al., 2021). Malnutrition also plays a significant role in exacerbating cholera severity among children, as deficiencies in essential nutrients weaken immune responses and hinder recovery (Gaffga, Tauxe, & Mintz, 2020).

The impact of cholera extends beyond immediate health consequences. Severe dehydration, a hallmark of the disease, can lead to hypovolemic shock, organ failure, and death if not promptly treated (CDC, 2023). Furthermore, cholera outbreaks contribute to long-term socio-economic burdens by increasing healthcare costs, reducing school attendance, and disrupting community stability (Mintz & Guerrant, 2021). The psychological toll on affected families, particularly in regions with recurrent outbreaks, also undermines overall well-being and resilience (WHO, 2023). Efforts to prevent and control cholera among children have focused on improving water sanitation, promoting hygiene education, and implementing oral cholera vaccination programs (Debes et al., 2021).

Cholera according to WHO (2023), remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing regions with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. It is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which spreads primarily through contaminated water and food (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Children are especially vulnerable to cholera due to their weaker immune systems and increased exposure to unhygienic environments.

The causes of cholera among children are largely linked to poor sanitation, consumption of contaminated water, and inadequate hygiene practices (Ali et al., 2021). Malnutrition further exacerbates the risk, as undernourished children have weakened immunity, making them more susceptible to severe dehydration and complications. Additionally, overcrowding in urban slums and refugee camps contributes to the rapid transmission of the disease (Mengel et al., 2022).

The effects of cholera among children can be devastating according to CDC (2023). Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death if left untreated (CDC, 2023). Beyond the immediate health impact, cholera also affects children's education and overall well-being, as prolonged illness leads to school absenteeism and developmental setbacks (Gaffga et al., 2020). Therefore, this study seeks to know the causes and effects of cholera among children.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water remain primary sources of Vibrio cholerae transmission, making it difficult to control the disease (Ali et al., 2021). Many families rely on contaminated water sources due to a lack of infrastructure, increasing the risk of infection among children who have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to dehydration (Reyburn et al., 2021).

Furthermore, children who survive severe cholera infections often experience long-term nutritional deficiencies, affecting their physical and cognitive development (Gaffga, Tauxe, & Mintz, 2020). Frequent outbreaks also disrupt education, as sick children miss school, and families struggle to balance healthcare costs with other essential needs (Levine et al., 2022). The psychological impact on affected families, especially mothers who bear the primary responsibility for caregiving, is another overlooked issue that contributes to emotional distress and economic hardship (Debes et al., 2021). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by evaluating the causes and effects of cholera among children.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of this study is to examine the causes and effects of cholera among children. The objectives of this study are:

1. To identify the primary causes of cholera among children, including environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral factors.
2. To assess the health consequences of cholera on children, including physical, cognitive, and nutritional effects.
3. To evaluate the role of poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water in cholera transmission.
4. To analyze the challenges faced in preventing and managing cholera among children in high-risk communities.
5. To explore effective public health interventions, including vaccination, hygiene education, and access to medical treatment, in reducing cholera cases among children.
6. To provide recommendations for improving water quality, sanitation, and healthcare access to mitigate the impact of cholera on children.

1.4 Research Questions

Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:

• What are the primary causes of cholera among children, and how do environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral factors contribute to its spread?
• What are the health consequences of cholera on children, particularly in terms of physical, cognitive, and nutritional effects?
• How does poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water influence the transmission of cholera among children?
• What challenges exist in preventing and managing cholera among children in high-risk communities?
• What are the most effective public health interventions, such as vaccination, hygiene education, and medical treatment, in reducing cholera cases among children?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: Public health interventions such as vaccination and hygiene education do not significantly reduce cholera cases among children.
• H1: Public health interventions such as vaccination and hygiene education significantly reduce cholera cases among children

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water does not significantly contribute to the spread of cholera among children
• H1: Poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water significantly contribute to the spread of cholera among children

1.6 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research will be useful to public health officials, policymakers, and healthcare providers in developing targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of cholera among children. It will also support efforts to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education, which are critical in preventing future outbreaks.

Furthermore, this research will contribute to the body of knowledge on child health and disease prevention, offering recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness of cholera control strategies. It will also serve as a reference for future studies on waterborne diseases and their impact on children's well-being.

1.7 Scope of Study

This study focuses on the causes and effects of cholera among children in Kano State, Nigeria, a region frequently affected by cholera outbreaks due to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and high population density. The study will examine the environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral factors contributing to the spread of cholera among children within the state.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study was constrained by time and financial resources, which restricted the number of healthcare facilities and communities that were included in the research. A broader sample size would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the causes and effects of cholera among children.

Additionally, environmental and socio-economic factors varied across different communities, making it difficult to generalize some findings to all regions experiencing cholera outbreaks. Variations in government policies and public health interventions in different areas also influenced the study outcomes.

1.9 Definition of Terms

To enhance clarity and understanding, key terms related to this study are defined as follows:

Cholera: Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It leads to severe dehydration, which, if left untreated, can be fatal, especially among children (World Health Organization, 2023).

Children: In the context of this study, children refer to individuals under the age of five, as they are the most vulnerable to cholera due to weaker immune systems and increased exposure to contaminated water and food (UNICEF, 2022).

Sanitation: Sanitation refers to the provision of facilities and services that ensure safe disposal of human waste, clean drinking water, and hygienic living conditions. Poor sanitation is a major contributor to the spread of cholera (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

Dehydration: Dehydration is a severe loss of body fluids caused by excessive diarrhea and vomiting, which are common symptoms of cholera. In children, dehydration can quickly lead to complications such as organ failure and death (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Epidemic: An epidemic is the rapid spread of an infectious disease within a specific population or region. Cholera epidemics often occur in areas with poor water quality and inadequate healthcare systems (WHO, 2023).

Public Health Intervention: This refers to organized efforts, such as vaccination, hygiene promotion, and access to clean water, aimed at preventing the spread of diseases like cholera. Effective public health interventions can significantly reduce cholera cases among children (UNICEF, 2022).