Knowledge and Perception of Diphtheria among Residents of a Rural Community in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria

Background: Diphtheria has reemerged as a public health concern in Nigeria, with outbreaks reported across several states. Catch-up vaccination, enhanced surveillance, and risk communication were instituted to curb this. This study determined knowledge and perception of diphtheria among members of a rural community in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria. Methods: Using a cross-sectional descriptive study design, data were collected from 590 respondents drawn through multistage sampling. Composite knowledge and perception scores were computed and graded using median values as cut-off points for good knowledge and perception. The data was presented using descriptive statistics, while the chi-square test of independence was used to check for association between socio-demographic variables and outcome variables at p < 0.05. Results: The respondents comprised 226 (38.3%) males and 364 (61.7%) females, with a mean age of 33.6 (+6.0) years. Only 117 (19.8%) respondents had ever heard of diphtheria. Among those aware of the disease, only 28 (23.9%) identified germs as causative agents, 26 (22.2%) identified inhalation as a route of transmission, 24 (20.5%) knew diphtheria could cause an epidemic, and 31 (26.5%) identified vaccine as a preventive measure. Most of the respondents (81.2%) had poor knowledge and good perception (68.4%). No statistically significant relationship was observed between sociodemographic variables and Knowledge or perception of Diphtheria. Conclusion: While the perception of diphtheria was good, knowledge of the disease was poor despite an ongoing outbreak. The Kaduna State government should redouble efforts in community health education and strategic risk communication on diphtheria.