Knowledge and Attitude of Parents in Jos to Diphtheria and Its Mental Health Consequences

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@article{1723192,
      author = {Duwap Milepdwak Makput},
      title = {Knowledge and Attitude of Parents in Jos to Diphtheria and Its Mental Health Consequences},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {2073-2080},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723192.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and other strains that affect respiratory system. Commonly transmitted through inhalation of airborne droplets or handling contaminated items. The main stay of prevention is vaccination. Hence, this study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and perception of diphtheria infection and its mental health consequences among parents and teachers of a school in Jos, Plateau State. 

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among   120 parents and  teachers  in Jos, Plateau state  in September, 2026.  A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire were used and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0.

Results: Majority of the respondents are aged between 35 -54 years ( 63.1%) with a mean age of the respondents as 42.3 (+ 3). There were more females  (62.3%) than males with majority of the respondents being married ( 73.5%,)  There was good level of knowledge of diphtheria among the respondent with  positive attitude and perception towards diphtheria infection and vaccination respectively.
Age, occupation and gender were found  not to have a statistically significant association with knowledge of diphtheria infection with p=<0.001. Level of education was however significantly associated with good knowledge and attitude to diphtheria and its mental health consequences.

Conclusions: The knowledge of diphtheria infection and vaccination among the respondents was good with positive attitude and perception.. There is need to strengthen awareness campaign for diphtheria vaccination  to prevent the infection and its effects on mental health.},
      keywords = {Diphtheria, Knowledge, Perception, mental consequences, Jos.},
      month = {September},
  }