Lymphatic filariasis knowledge, attitude and practice among households in Kano metropolis North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Common to most neglected tropical diseases worldwide is little published data of knowledge, attitude and practice of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in regions where the disease is endemic, despite the fact that such data is needed for preparations and plans for integrated management and control of the diseases. A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaire was conducted to assess; demography, socio-economic information, household knowledge, attitude and practice on LF in Kano metropolis North-western Nigeria. A total of 400 respondents participated in the study; 247 were males and 157 females aged 18-78 years. The study confirms the presence of LF in the study area with 33% of the participants mentioning to have seen people infected with LF in the metropolis. Although, 43% of the participant have heard about LF, only 15.6% mentioned mosquitoes as vectors while 72.0% had no idea how it is transmitted. Some of the respondents believed that it is transmitted through; the use of contaminated water (8.4%), drug abuse (1.2%) and Tsetse fly bite (1.2%). Pearson Chi-square test reveals knowledge of LF among participants to be significantly (P<0.05) associated with age rather than level of education. However, 99.6% used variety of methods to control mosquitoes. Elusive data and paucity of knowledge are threats to control of infectious disease as such it is necessary they are addressed through; creating awareness, research and publications.