Preventing cholera through targeted water and hygiene interventions
Evidence Based Targeted Water Sanitation, and Hygiene Interventions to Reduce Cholera in Hotspots in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
This study is testing a new way to improve water and hygiene practices for families of diarrhea patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to see if it can help prevent cholera.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 2900 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bukavu, South Kivu and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05166850 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and evaluate a targeted water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) intervention for household members of diarrhea patients in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. It involves formative research and a randomized controlled trial with 2,320 participants from 580 households of severe diarrhea patients. The trial compares a standard health message with the PICHA7 mHealth program, which includes personalized health promotion and home visits during a critical 7-day period for disease transmission. The study also investigates the dynamics of cholera and severe diarrhea transmission using genomics and risk factor analysis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include diarrhea patients with three or more loose stools in 24 hours, lacking running water at home, residing in Bukavu for the next year, and having a child under 5 years old in the household.
Not a fit: Patients presenting with a fever or those without a working mobile phone in the household may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of cholera and severe diarrhea among household members of affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar WASH interventions in reducing diarrheal diseases, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diarrhea patients presenting with three or more loose stools over a 24h period * Having no running water inside of their home * Plan to reside in Bukavu for the next 12 months * Have a child \<5 years in their household * Have a working mobile phone in the household Exclusion Criteria: * No one will be excluded because of age, sex, religion, or sexual preference * Presenting at the health facility with a fever (COVID-19 prevention)
Where this trial is running
Bukavu, South Kivu and 1 other locations
- General Provincial Reference Hospital of Bukavu — Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Recruiting)
- Université Catholique de Bukavu — Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christine Marie George, PhD — Associate Professor
- Study coordinator: Christine Marie George, PhD
- Email: cmgeorge@jhu.edu
- Phone: (202) 657-5798
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.