Knowledge, attitude and practice of undergraduate students from health-based faculties on kidney health

Abstract

Since the significant rise in the incidence of important risk factors of kidney diseases, kidney health has become an issue of public health concern and priority, especially in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a 34-item paper-based questionnaire. Three health-based faculties were conveniently selected from which three departments were purposely chosen in a Nigerian university. A total of 773 responses were obtained and a mean percent knowledge score of the entire study population was 74.60±12.38. The mean attitude score of the entire study population was 27.28±3.00 (possible maximum score = 36) and a mean practice score of 4.74±0.72 (possible maximum score = 5) was obtained for the entire respondents. Moderate number of students demonstrated high knowledge level and positive attitude towards kidney health. Among the three sub-themes assessed, the students demonstrated the highest percentages in good practices towards kidney health. There is need to enhance practical exposures to disease-settings and improve teaching curricula.