Enhancing Knowledge in Informal Settlements: Assessing Health Beliefs and Behaviors in Nigeria

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey assessment of perceptions, practices, and resources in underserved urban communities Lagos Background: Community Health Education (CHE) programs have been shown to be effective relieving the burden on healthcare systems Sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This project aimed determine baseline level health literacy, behavioral accessibility a set 16 informal settlements located around Lagos, Nigeria order identify topics that should emphasized new teaching curriculum directed at local Educators. Methods: In June 2017, unique composed 37 questions was conducted Lagos. Sites selected were areas which future CHE trainings planned take place participants chosen by trained community educators based convenience sampling with snowball effect. Survey included both multiple-choice open-ended asked language. We collected demographic information assessed behaviors, practices. Results analyzed using descriptive statistics assess for differences between groups. Findings: Our 348 total responses. Respondents displayed high knowledge regarding benefits hand washing (97.1%) childhood immunizations (81.0%). Knowledge infectious diseases reproductive lower, including large proportion people (50%) incorrectly indicating HIV could spread through mosquito bite. Malaria reported most prevalent disease affecting adults (40.0%) children (58.3%). access limited, not reporting nearby center (55.8%). Conclusions: Areas versions training curricula include diseases, health, reinforcement importance sanitation clean water. The address reality limited develop strategies improve this.