Predictors of knowledge, attitude and perception of diphtheria infection and vaccination among medical students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi North-Eastern Nigeria

Authors

  • Abubakar Musa Department of Community Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
  • Usman Abba Ministry of Health Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria
  • Esther Adesina Oluwatobi College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
  • Aishat Haruna Ojochenemi College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
  • Abel Acheneje Abutu College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
  • Muhammad Bashar Jibril Department of Community Medicine, Amadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250301

Keywords:

Attitude, Bauchi, Diphtheria, Knowledge, Perception

Abstract

Background: Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and other strains that affect respiratory system. Commonly transmitted through inhalation of airborne droplets or handling contaminated items. The main stay of prevention is vaccination. Hence, this study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and perception of diphtheria infection and vaccination among medical students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 210 Medical students in Bauchi State from April to November, 2024. A stratified sampling technique, semi-structured self-administered questionnaire were used and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. 

Results: The mean age among the respondents was 21±3. The study reveals poor knowledge 60.5%, then 90.5% and 99% of respondents had positive attitude and perception towards diphtheria infection and vaccination respectively. Age, religion and level of study were found to be statistically associated with knowledge of diphtheria infection with p=0.001, p=0.001 and p=<0.001 respectively. Age, religion and level of study remained independent predictors of knowledge of diphtheria infection and vaccination.

Conclusions: The knowledge of diphtheria infection and vaccination among the respondents was poor with positive attitude and perception. Age, religion and level of study were the factors associated with knowledge of diphtheria infection. Age, religion and level of study remained independent predictors of knowledge of diphtheria infection and vaccination. There is need to strengthen campaign for diphtheria vaccination targeting students to prevent them from the infection and its effects.

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References

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Published

2025-01-31

How to Cite

Musa, A., Abba, U., Oluwatobi, E. A., Ojochenemi, A. H., Abutu, A. A., Jibril, M. B., & Abdullahi, M. K. (2025). Predictors of knowledge, attitude and perception of diphtheria infection and vaccination among medical students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi North-Eastern Nigeria. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 12(2), 709–718. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250301

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Original Research Articles