Global Health
Assessing the Impact of Household Characteristics on Cholera Risk in Haiti: Insights from the 2016-2017 Demographic and Health Survey Colette Davis* Colette Davis Armelle Delouis
Background: Cholera remains a critical public health challenge in Haiti, influenced by various household characteristics. This study investigats the association between household factors and cholera risk to guide targeted interventions.
Methods: We analyzed data from 10,759 households in the 2016-2017 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Key household factors examined included water source type (structured vs. unstructured), sanitation facilities (connected vs. unconnected), handwashing practices (fixed vs. mobile stations), and water treatment measures. Covariates included household size, presence of children under five, urban/rural residence, electricity availability, cooking fuel type, livestock ownership, and wealth index. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were employed to assess associations between these factors and cholera risk.
Results: Households with structured water systems (69.3%) had a significantly lower risk of cholera (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.51-0.64). Urban households were more likely to treat water (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.45-1.83). Access to electricity was inversely associated with water treatment practices (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.51-0.64), while using non-fossil fuels increased water treatment likelihood (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.39-1.77). Household size, wealth index, and the presence of children under five were significant covariates. No significant associations were found between household head gender and sanitation practices.
Conclusion: Addressing household factors, particularly improving water and sanitation infrastructure, is crucial for reducing cholera risk in Haiti. These findings provide critical insights for targeted public health strategies to prevent cholera outbreaks in vulnerable communities.