Abstract:

Introduction: Typhoid fever is a major public health problem in developing countries. Typhoid fever is transmitted by the feco-oral root through ingestion of contaminated food or water that contains Salmonella typhi. Poor knowledge and risk perception towards typhoid fever contributed to the prolonged transmission of diseases in the community. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and risk perception towards typhoid fever among Gyadi-Gyadi communities in Kano, Nigeria. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gyadi-Gyadi from April, 2019 to May, 2019. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to obtain the frequency distribution of the variables. Results: Results: The result shows that 300 participants responded to the questionnaire. 165 respondents (55%) were male and the remaining 135 (45%) were female. Regarding sign and symptom most of 287 (95.7%) of the respondents have answered headache. Concerning risk perception, majority 160 (53.7%) agree that lack of hand washing practice contribute to typhoid fever infection Conclusion: The study revealed that the respondents have good knowledge towards typhoid fever. However, the risk perception status of the respondents towards typhoid fever is poor. Recommendation: Supportive supervision for health extension workers in order to strengthen effective health education to the community on the causes of the diseases and possible preventives measure.

Keywords: Knowledge; Risk Perception; Typhoid Fever, Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano, Nigeria.

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