Abstract

In 2016, Typhoid cases were reported throughout Uganda, with the central region, including Kampala, Wakiso,
Mubende, and Luweero, reporting the highest numbers. The northern region, particularly Gulu, Arua, and Kotido, also
reported significant cases. Hoima district had 8 reported cases in 2016, and there has been an increase in reported cases in
2019. Surprisingly, there has been no published research on the knowledge and practices of the community regarding
typhoid fever in the Hoima district and the broader Bunyoro region. To address this gap, a study was conducted at
Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in western Uganda. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of typhoid fever and
assess the factors influencing its occurrence among patients. The study used a facility-based cross-sectional approach,
involving 87 study participants selected through simple random sampling. Data collection and analysis were done using
Microsoft Excel 13.0 and STATA version 14.0, respectively. Most study participants were females (59.77%), aged 18-27
years (41.38%), and engaged in farming occupations (41.38%). Additionally, 40.23% had a secondary level of education.
The overall prevalence of typhoid fever was found to be 17.24% (95% CI: 09.14 – 25.34). A majority of study participants
(87.36%) had a high level of knowledge about typhoid, with a 95% confidence interval of 80.23 – 94.48. However, 12.64%
had a low level of knowledge (95% CI: 05.52 – 19.77). Several practices were identified as influencing the occurrence of
typhoid fever, including not drinking boiled water (cOR 16.00, 95% CI 4.36-58.77, P<0.001), not treating drinking water
(cOR 7.08, 95% CI 1.83-27.39, P=0.005), not seeking treatment for signs or symptoms of Typhoid (cOR 3.70, 95% CI
1.10-12.48, P=0.035), and not washing hands after visiting the latrine (cOR 7.11, 95% CI 1.23-40.99, P=0.028). In
conclusion, Typhoid fever remains a significant public health challenge in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Curbing its
prevalence could free up resources for other healthcare projects and initiatives