Abstract
Measles remains a significant public health concern,
particularly in developing regions where vaccination coverage and awareness may
be inadequate. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of people toward
the effects of measles in Kila, Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the level of awareness about
measles, examine community attitudes toward its prevention and treatment, and
identify factors influencing these perceptions. A descriptive cross-sectional
survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using structured
questionnaires administered to a representative sample of residents in Kila
community. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as
frequencies, percentages, and tables. The findings revealed that a considerable
proportion of respondents had basic knowledge of measles, including its
symptoms such as fever, rash, and cough, as well as its mode of transmission.
However, misconceptions were still prevalent, particularly regarding its causes
and treatment. While some respondents demonstrated positive attitudes toward
immunization and modern healthcare services, others relied on traditional
remedies and exhibited hesitancy toward vaccination. Factors such as level of
education, cultural beliefs, access to healthcare services, and exposure to
health information significantly influenced respondents’ knowledge and
attitudes. The study concluded that although awareness of measles exists within
the community, gaps in accurate knowledge and negative attitudes toward
preventive measures persist. It is therefore recommended that government and
health authorities should intensify public health education campaigns, improve
access to immunization services, and engage community leaders in promoting
positive health-seeking behaviors to reduce the incidence and impact of measles
in the area.
Keywords: Measles, knowledge, attitudes,
immunization, public health, community perception.
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------1
1.2 Statement of the Problem-------------------------------------------------------2
1.3Aim and Objectives of the Study-----------------------------------------------3
1.3.1 Aim-------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
1.3.2 Specific Objectives-------------------------------------------------------------3
1.4 Research question----------------------------------------------------------------3
1.5 Significance of the Study-------------------------------------------------------4
1.6 Scope of the Study---------------------------------------------------------------4
1.7 Limitations of the Study--------------------------------------------------------4
1.8 Definition of Key Terms---------------------------------------------------------5
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual Framework
----------------------------------------------------------6
2.1.1 Concept of measles --------------------------------------------------------------6
2.2 Knowledge of People about
Measles---------------------------------------------7
2.3 Attitude Toward Measles and Its
Management--------------------------------7
2.4 The Effect of Measles on Public
Health-----------------------------------------9
2.5 Knowledge, Attitude, and
Practice (KAP) Studies on Measles--------------10
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Study Area--------------------------------------------------------------------------12
3.2 Research Design--------------------------------------------------------------------12
3.3 Population of the Study-----------------------------------------------------------12
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique-------------------------------------------13
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection---------------------------------------------------13
3.6 Validity of the Instrument---------------------------------------------------------14
3.7 Method of Data Collection--------------------------------------------------------14
3.8 Method of Data Analysis-----------------------------------------------------------14
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------15
4.3 Summary of Major Findings------------------------------------------------------15
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Summary-------------------------------------------------------------------27
5.2 Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------------------28
5.3 Recommendations---------------------------------------------------------29
References 30
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction
Measles
is a highly contagious viral disease that has remained a major public health
concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Despite the
availability of safe and effective vaccines, measles outbreaks continue to
occur due to low immunization coverage, poor awareness, and misconceptions
about the disease. In Nigeria, measles accounts for significant childhood
morbidity and mortality, with rural communities being more vulnerable due to
limited access to healthcare services and lack of proper knowledge about
prevention and treatment.
Measles
is an acute, highly contagious viral illness that remains one of the leading
causes of vaccine-preventable childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Infection commonly presents with high fever, cough, conjunctivitis and a
maculopapular rash; severe complications include pneumonia, encephalitis,
blindness and death especially among under-fives and malnourished children.
Global measles incidence and outbreaks rose sharply in recent years after
declines in routine immunization coverage, driven by factors such as
disruptions to health services, inequitable vaccine access, and vaccine
hesitancy. (WHO, 2025)
Nigeria
bears a heavy share of the global measles burden. National coverage for the
first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) has been substantially below
the 95% threshold recommended for herd immunity; large numbers of children
remain unvaccinated and periodic outbreaks continue to occur. Large-scale
immunization campaigns have been mounted in response to outbreaks, but routine
coverage gaps persist.
Jigawa
State, in north-west Nigeria, has experienced recurrent measles activity and
remains a priority area for measles control. Analyses of measles surveillance
data from Jigawa documented temporal trends in cases and highlighted the
ongoing public-health impact of measles in the state, underlining the need to
address the drivers of low vaccine uptake and outbreak risk at the local level.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among caregivers and the general
population strongly influence whether children receive timely measles
vaccination and whether communities adopt outbreak-preventing behaviours.
Understanding local KAP is therefore essential for designing effective, culturally
appropriate interventions in Kila Gwaram Local Government Area (LGA).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite
efforts by the government and international health organizations to control
measles, cases are still reported in many rural communities. Misconceptions,
traditional beliefs, and poor attitudes toward immunization remain barriers to
effective prevention. There is limited research that focuses specifically on
Kila community in Gwaram Local Government, making it necessary to study the
level of awareness, attitudes, and practices of people toward measles in the
area.
Despite
the availability of vaccines and increased public health campaigns, measles
continues to pose a serious health challenge in many parts of Nigeria,
including Kila community in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The
disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among
children under five years of age. This persistence suggests that there may be
underlying issues related to people’s knowledge, attitude, and practices
concerning measles prevention and treatment.
In
Kila, many individuals still hold traditional beliefs and misconceptions about
the causes and treatment of measles, often preferring herbal remedies or
spiritual interventions to medical treatment. Poor awareness about the
importance of immunization, coupled with low health-seeking behavior, further
contributes to the continued spread of the disease. Additionally,
socio-economic factors,
1.3Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 Aim
The
main aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes of people toward
the effects of measles in Kila, Gwaram Local Government, Jigawa State.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
1. To determine the level of knowledge
of people in Kila regarding the causes, symptoms, and prevention of measles in
Kila.
2. To assess the attitudes of the
people toward vaccination and treatment of measles in Kila.
3. To examine the socio-cultural
beliefs influencing the perception of measles in the community In Kila .
4. To make recommendations on effective
community-based strategies for measles prevention and control In Kila.
1.4 Research question
1. What is the level of knowledge of
people in Kila regarding the causes, symptoms, and prevention of measles in
kila?
2. What are the attitudes of the people
toward vaccination and treatment of measles in kila?
3. How do socio-cultural beliefs
influence the perception of measles in the community in Kila?
4. What community-based strategies can
be recommended for effective prevention and control of measles in Kila ?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This
study will provide insights into the existing knowledge and attitudes of people
in Kila community toward measles. Findings will help health policymakers,
healthcare providers, and local authorities to design appropriate interventions
aimed at improving immunization coverage and community awareness. Additionally,
the study will serve as a reference material for future researchers and
contribute to the reduction of measles-related morbidity and mortality in rural
areas of Jigawa State.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study is limited to Kila
community in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State. It focuses on
assessing the knowledge and attitude of people toward the causes, symptoms,
effects, and prevention of measles. The study will involve residents of
different ages, genders, and educational backgrounds within the community.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The study may face challenges such
as limited time, inadequate financial resources, and difficulty in obtaining
accurate responses from some participants due to cultural beliefs or fear of
disclosure. However, efforts will be made to ensure that the data collected are
reliable and that the findings accurately reflect the situation in Kila
community.
1.8 Definition of Key Terms
Attitude: A person’s feelings, beliefs, and
behaviors toward a particular subject or issue.
Knowledge: The level of understanding or
awareness a person has about a topic.
Measles: A contagious viral disease
characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive red
rash.
Vaccination: The process of administering a
vaccine to help the immune system develop protection against a disease.
Effect: The result or consequence of an
illness, such as complications or impacts on health.
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