Assessment of Health Knowledge and Sociodemographic Variables among Adults During Public Health Emergencies in Sabon Gari L.G.A Kaduna State, Nigeria

The study assessed health knowledge among adults during public health emergencies in Sabon Gari Kaduna State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined differences in health knowledge of public health emergencies across selected socio-demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and educational attainment. A descriptive research design was employed, and data were collected from 396 adults using a structured questionnaire comprising sections on socio-demographic characteristics and health knowledge of public health emergencies. Health Knowledge items were measured using a four-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test, as appropriate. The findings indicated that knowledge of public health emergencies varied significantly across age groups, F(2, 395) = 4.32, p = .015, and educational levels, F(2, 395) = 9.12, p < .001, but did not differ significantly by gender, F(1, 395) = 1.77, p = .185. The findings suggest that age and educational attainment are important factors associated with adults' health knowledge of public health emergencies, whereas gender was not significantly associated with health knowledge. The findings are consistent with the Health Belief Model, which emphasizes the roles of perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy in influencing health-related behaviours. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening health education and risk-communication programmes, promoting accurate understanding of public health emergencies, and developing targeted interventions for adults with lower levels of knowledge and educational attainment. The study concludes that effective health education is essential for improving knowledge and strengthening preparedness and preventive responses to public health emergencies among adults in Kaduna State. Sustained, culturally appropriate, accessible, and audience-specific health education interventions are therefore recommended to enhance community preparedness and reduce the impact of future public health emergencies.

Health knowledge, preventive practices, public health emergencies, health education, adults, socio-demographic characteristics, Kaduna State.

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