Typhoid Risks in Abiriba, Ohafia Lga, Abia State

Chukwuebuka Gods Power Eze, Cosmas Nnadozie. Ezejindu, Ifeoma Vivian Ugwueke, Martin Chinemerem Onuigbo, Cynthia Uchechi Mbah and Ekesiobi Linda Chidinma
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Chukwuebuka Gods Power Eze: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Cosmas Nnadozie. Ezejindu: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
Ifeoma Vivian Ugwueke: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Martin Chinemerem Onuigbo: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
Cynthia Uchechi Mbah: Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
Ekesiobi Linda Chidinma: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Ebonyi State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, 2025, vol. 12, issue 6, 676-692

Abstract: Objectives: To assess levels of awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of typhoid fever risk factors among residents of Abiriba (Ohafia LGA, Abia State), and to identify key sociodemographic determinants influencing these perceptions. Methods: I conducted a cross-sectional household survey in Abiriba, interviewing 362 individuals (340 valid responses; 94 % completion). A structured questionnaire captured sources of information, understanding of transmission pathways, vaccine awareness, and seven sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, family size, number of rooms, occupation, religion, and education). I used descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (α = 0.05) to explore associations between each sociodemographic factor and three outcomes: vaccine awareness, perception of hygiene’s importance, and recognition of other risk factors. Results: Most respondents (84.5 %) first learned about typhoid fever through family or friends, while clinics (14 %) and books/articles (1.4 %) accounted for the remainder . Although 38.8 % correctly rejected the misconception that hygiene plays no role, only 31.5 % explicitly cited proper clothes washing and fumigation as preventive measures . Furthermore, 67.4 % recognized higher risk from travel to endemic areas, and awareness of typhoid vaccination stood at 80.4 %, but only 61.8 % affirmed its protective benefit . An overwhelming 81.0 % acknowledged increased risk from crowded living conditions (e.g., close quarters with an infected person). Significant associations emerged between higher education level and vaccine awareness (p 0.05). Conclusions: Interpersonal networks remain pivotal for typhoid health education in Abiriba, yet critical gaps persist: only 38.8 % fully appreciate hygiene’s role, and 18.6 % of those aware of vaccination remain uncertain or negative about its efficacy. I recommend the following concrete actions: (1) train local influencers—village chiefs and religious leaders—to model and promote proper hand-washing and environmental fumigation; (2) implement monthly school and market-based health talks targeting youths (18–35 years) to reinforce hygiene practices; (3) organize quarterly “Typhoid Vaccination Days†at community halls, accompanied by brief one-on-one counseling sessions to address side-effect concerns. Because of its cross-sectional design, this study cannot determine causality.

Date: 2025
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