Typhoid Risks in Abiriba, Ohafia Lga, Abia State

Objectives: To assess levels of awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of typhoid fever risk factors among residents of Abiriba (Ohafia LGA, Abia State), and to identify key sociodemographic determinants influencing these perceptions. Methods: I conducted a cross-sectional household survey in Abiriba, interviewing 362 individuals (340 valid responses; 94 % completion). A structured questionnaire captured sources of information, understanding of transmission pathways, vaccine awareness, and seven sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, family size, number of rooms, occupation, religion, and education). I used descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (α = 0.05) to explore associations between each sociodemographic factor and three outcomes: vaccine awareness, perception of hygiene’s importance, and recognition of other risk factors. Results: Most respondents (84.5 %) first learned about typhoid fever through family or friends, while clinics (14 %) and books/articles (1.4 %) accounted for the remainder . Although 38.8 % correctly rejected the misconception that hygiene plays no role, only 31.5 % explicitly cited proper clothes washing and fumigation as preventive measures . Furthermore, 67.4 % recognized higher risk from travel to endemic areas, and awareness of typhoid vaccination stood at 80.4 %, but only 61.8 % affirmed its protective benefit . An overwhelming 81.0 % acknowledged increased risk from crowded living conditions (e.g., close quarters with an infected person). Significant associations emerged between higher education level and vaccine awareness (p 0.05). Conclusions: Interpersonal networks remain pivotal for typhoid health education in Abiriba, yet critical gaps persist: only 38.8 % fully appreciate hygiene’s role, and 18.6 % of those aware of vaccination remain uncertain or negative about its efficacy. I recommend the following concrete actions: (1) train local influencers—village chiefs and religious leaders—to model and promote proper hand-washing and environmental fumigation; (2) implement monthly school and market-based health talks targeting youths (18–35 years) to reinforce hygiene practices; (3) organize quarterly “Typhoid Vaccination Days†at community halls, accompanied by brief one-on-one counseling sessions to address side-effect concerns. Because of its cross-sectional design, this study cannot determine causality.