ASSESSING THE PREVALENCE OF TYPHOID FEVER AT HAYATABAD PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Typhoid fever remains a significant public health issue in many developing countries, particularly in Pakistan. The disease is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, with inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices exacerbating its prevalence.

Aim: This study aims to determine the current prevalence rate of typhoid fever in  , Hayatabad, and  of Hayatabad, Peshawar, as well as to identify demographic and environmental correlates associated with its incidence.

Methodology: Data were collected from 120 individuals in the targeted areas using a random convenient sampling method. The study assessed reported and diagnosed cases of typhoid fever and analyzed factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, water quality, and sanitation facilities.

Results: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of typhoid fever, knowledge about the disease, and hygiene practices in a community in Hayatabad, Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 120 participants, consisting of 80 males and 40 females, were selected using   convenient sampling. The findings showed that 55 males and 28 females were diagnosed with typhoid, indicating a significant health burden in both genders. The study also highlighted critical knowledge gaps, with 60 males and only 18 females aware of typhoid’s symptoms and transmission, underlining the need for targeted health education, particularly aimed at women. Hygiene practices were suboptimal across both groups, with only 18 males and 8 females following proper hygiene practices. Additionally, vaccination rates were low, with 18 males and 8 females vaccinated against typhoid. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive public health strategies, including hygiene promotion, vaccination campaigns, and sanitation.

Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced public health interventions aimed at improving sanitation, promoting hygiene practices, and addressing the socioeconomic determinants of health to effectively reduce the incidence of typhoid fever in Hayatabad, Peshawar.