Risk Perception, Behavior, and Knowledge of Typhoid Fever Diagnosis, Treatment, and Vaccination: Insights from Patients in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and S. Paratyphi, remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, exacerbated by limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, and a lack of awareness about vaccination. To inform future interventions, this study investigates patients knowledge and perceptions of typhoid fever, including its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among adults attending EHA Clinics in Kano, Nigeria. A structured survey assessed participants knowledge of typhoid fever, its transmission, its symptoms, and their attitudes toward the typhoid vaccine. Data were analyzed using R software, with descriptive statistics and associations between variables examined. Results: Out of 443 participants, 71.4% were aware of typhoid fever, with 98% expressing confidence in its curability through appropriate treatment. Awareness of the typhoid vaccine, however, was low at 31.1%. Risk perception was high, with 75.5% of participants likely to trust a positive test result, and 63.4% believed they had a chance of contracting typhoid within the next year. Although antibiotics were widely regarded as beneficial (51.9%), misconceptions about vaccine harm persisted among some of the participants. Socio-demographic factors, particularly gender and education, were significantly associated with vaccine interest, with males and those with lower education levels showing greater interest in vaccination. Conclusion: Despite high awareness of typhoid fever, misconceptions and limited knowledge about the vaccine pose challenges for prevention in Nigeria. Targeted educational campaigns could address these gaps and promote better attitudes toward vaccination and preventive behaviors. Keywords: Typhoid fever, vaccination, risk perception, Kano, Nigeria.