TYPHOID FEVER PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG SUSPECTED CASES OF SHINSHICHO PRIMARY HOSPITAL, KACHABIRA DISTRICT, KAMBATA ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Typhoid fever is a communicable disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. The disease is of a significant health concern in most developing countries especially Ethiopia. Typhoid fever remains a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas. This study aims to assess the prevalence of typhoid fever and identify associated risk factors among suspected cases at Shinshicho Primary Hospital in the Kachabira District, Kambata Zone. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 340 suspected typhoid patients. All adult typhoid suspected cases who attended to Shinshico primary Hospital during study period and, willing to participate in the study were included. Blood specimens of 4 ml were collected into vacutainer tubes containing no preservative/additive (red cap tubes). Widal slide agglutination tests were performed by using S. Typhi O and H antigens. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, water sources, sanitation practices, and hygiene behaviors. Statistical analysis included calculating crude and adjusted odds ratios (COR and AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Using tap water was linked to a higher risk (AOR 1.83, p = 0.005), while river water showed a negative association (AOR 0.88, p = 0.001). Lower educational levels were significantly correlated with higher of typhoid fever (AOR 0.81, p = 0.0001). Additionally, poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate hand washing, were associated with increased of typhoid (AOR 4.52, p = 0.001). The findings highlight critical risk factors for typhoid fever, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve water quality, sanitation, and health education. Public health initiatives should focus on enhancing hygiene practices and ensuring access to safe drinking water, particularly in rural communities to effectively reduce the burden of typhoid fever.