Awareness perception and attitude towards neglected tropical diseases among health professionals in South-West Nigeria

Background

Health professionals play an important role in the management and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). However, variations in awareness, knowledge, and attitudes among healthcare workers in South-West Nigeria may limit the effectiveness of NTD control programmes. This study assessed the awareness, perception, and attitude of health professionals towards NTDs and related control activities in South-West Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between 18th October 2021 and 31st March 2022 using structured close-ended questionnaires administered to health professionals across South-West Nigeria. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and “ Chi -Square” test at 95% level of significance with SPSS software (version 20.0). A 67% response rate was achieved.

Results

Out of 1556 respondents surveyed, 765 (49.2%) were females. Significant associations were observed between respondents’ location, gender, age group and occupation (p < 0.05 for all). Accurate recognition of NTDs among participants was 86.4% for correct definition, 85% for identification of one or more NTDs, 68.5% for involvement in NTDs programmes, and 46.4% for academic sources of information. Readiness for future engagement in NTDs was high, with 90.7% indicating support for required intervention, and 83.7% expressing willingness to participate in NTDs-related activities. Knowledge based on definition of NTDs showed no statistical difference across the South-West zone (P-value > 0.05).

Conclusion

Health professionals in South-West Nigeria demonstrated generally high awareness and positive attitudes toward NTDs. These findings provide an important framework for targeted capacity building, training and policy interventions to strengthen NTD management and control.