A re-emerging arboviral illness, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, is a serious public health threat worldwide, especially in areas with mosquito vectors. In Nigeria, health workers have limited knowledge and awareness. This study aimed to assess ZIKV knowledge and perceptions among 202 health technology students in Kagoro, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design, and convenience sampling method was employed. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) at a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings showed that 55.9% of participants were aware of ZIKV. While 40.6% recognized it as an arthropod-borne disease and 49.0% knew it can cause birth abnormalities, significant gaps remained regarding vaccines (50.5%) and treatment (47.5%). Only 31.2% correctly identified Aedes mosquitoes as the primary vectors. Common symptoms such as fever (54.5%) and rash (48.5%) were identified, but many participants were unaware of any symptoms (39.6%) or the incubation period (52.0%). Knowledge levels were strongly associated with their department and academic level. The study highlights the importance of targeted educational programs in enhancing ZIKV awareness among future healthcare workers, thereby strengthening Nigeria's public health preparedness.
BT - Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences DO - 10.4314/dujopas.v11i3d.27 IS - 3d LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -A re-emerging arboviral illness, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, is a serious public health threat worldwide, especially in areas with mosquito vectors. In Nigeria, health workers have limited knowledge and awareness. This study aimed to assess ZIKV knowledge and perceptions among 202 health technology students in Kagoro, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design, and convenience sampling method was employed. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) at a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings showed that 55.9% of participants were aware of ZIKV. While 40.6% recognized it as an arthropod-borne disease and 49.0% knew it can cause birth abnormalities, significant gaps remained regarding vaccines (50.5%) and treatment (47.5%). Only 31.2% correctly identified Aedes mosquitoes as the primary vectors. Common symptoms such as fever (54.5%) and rash (48.5%) were identified, but many participants were unaware of any symptoms (39.6%) or the incubation period (52.0%). Knowledge levels were strongly associated with their department and academic level. The study highlights the importance of targeted educational programs in enhancing ZIKV awareness among future healthcare workers, thereby strengthening Nigeria's public health preparedness.
PB - African Journals Online (AJOL) PY - 2025 SP - 285 EP - 297 T2 - Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences TI - Knowledge and perception of zika virus infection among students of College of Health Technology, Kagoro, Kaduna State, Nigeria UR - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397246311_Knowledge_and_perception_of_zika_virus_infection_among_students_of_College_of_Health_Technology_Kagoro_Kaduna_State_Nigeria/fulltext/6909f81cc900be105cbf2d8d/Knowledge-and-perception-of-zika-virus-infecti VL - 11 SN - 2635-3490, 2476-8316 ER -