Knowledge of Cholera, Hand Wash Practice and Its Associated Factors in Hayayaabe IDP Camp, Borama, Somaliland: A Community-Based Study

Background Cholera, a severe diarrheal disease transmitted through contaminated water and food, poses a significant public health threat, particularly in vulnerable populations. This study aimed to assess cholera knowledge and handwashing practices among residents of the Hayayaabe Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borama, Somaliland. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hayayaabe IDP camp (500 households) between April and June 2024. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression in SPSS 26 and Stata 16 to identify factors associated with cholera knowledge and handwashing practices. Results Only 25% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of cholera, and 26.3% reported good handwashing practices. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (AOR 0.007, 95% CI: 0.005–0.943), source of information (AOR 0.042, 95% CI: 0.003–0.556), and higher education (AOR 9.129, 95% CI: 0.999–84.29) were significantly associated with cholera knowledge. Factors significantly influencing handwashing practices included older age (AOR: 0.026, 95% CI: 0.002–0.418), sex (AOR: 0.072, 95% CI: 0.014–0.363), family income (AOR: 71.604, 95% CI: 18.787-272.945), and higher education (AOR: 34.97, 95% CI: 20.06-59.039). Conclusion Cholera knowledge and handwashing practices are suboptimal within the Hayayaabe IDP camp. Targeted interventions by the Ministry of Health and local government, focusing on health education and promotion of handwashing, are crucial to improve disease prevention in this vulnerable community.