Assessment of knowledge, perception, and attitudes towards lymphatic filariasis among the residents of Bende Local Government Area, Abia State.

Nigeria had the highest prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in sub-Saharan Africa. A 2014 survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health reported that only 20% of the at-risk population received LF treatment. Low treatment coverage was primarily attributed to ignorance and misconceptions, which significantly hindered the willingness to access LF medications. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of LF among residents of selected rural communities in Bende Local Government Areas (LGA). Across-sectional survey of 300 respondents, comprising 30 individuals from each of the 10 sampling areas, was conducted. Approximately 74.3% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of LF and its symptoms. A total of 67.3% and 50.0% reported seeing people with elephantiasis and hydrocoele, respectively, in their communities. Surprisingly, a significant number of respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding the causative agent (33.2%) and vector (31.4%) of LF. The majority (53.8%) insisted on the use of traditional medicine to treat the disease. The study concludes that there is a relatively high awareness of LF, but poor knowledge of its vector in the study area. However, this lack of knowledge about the vector could jeopardise LF elimination programs.