Attitudinal Dispositions towards Prevention and Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease in Hadejia Emirate: Implications for Counselling

This study aimed to examine attitudinal dispositions toward chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention and early detection in Hadejia Emirate, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, targeting the adult population. Using a purposive sampling technique, 150 participants were selected from the community. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire featuring a 5-point Likert scale, which demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87). The instrument measured perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers based on the Health Belief Model. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS. Results revealed high perceived severity (M=4.01) and benefits of prevention (M=3.92), but also significant barriers (M=3.65), with no demographic differences. The findings indicate a critical gap between positive attitudes and action due to systemic obstacles. Counselling implications emphasize the need for barrier-focused, empowerment-based interventions rather than mere education. Conclusions stress that multi-sectoral efforts to improve healthcare access and affordability are essential to translating community knowledge into practice. Recommendations include training health workers to bolster self-efficacy and integrate practical navigation support into patient care.