Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Neglected Tropical Diseases Among Rural Households of Jenta Communities, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to be a public health burden in Nigeria, especially in impoverished rural areas. In spite of continued control efforts, little data on community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are available. The current study evaluated household-level KAP on NTDs in three rural villages of Jenta (Jenta Adamu, Jenta Makeri, Jenta Mangoro), Jos, Plateau State. Methods A cross-sectional survey among 399 household respondents was conducted with a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data gathered were demographic information, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and schistosomiasis awareness and knowledge, attitude towards individuals affected, preventive measures, and stigma exposure. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data, while chi-square tests were applied to determine associations between household determinants and KAP outcomes. Results Of the 399 participants, most (62.4%) reported knowing one or more NTDs, with radio and health workers being the primary sources of information. Awareness of transmission modes was fair, but knowledge gaps in the form of witchcraft and curses persisted (18.7%). Preventive behavior was variable: 54.1% used bed nets regularly, 47.6% refrained from swimming in rivers, and 39.2% used mass drug administration. Attitudes toward those with affected people were inconsistent; whereas 71.3% concurred that individuals with NTDs should be treated equally, 26.8% acknowledged that they would shun close contact. Stigma was noted in 22.5% of the households. Chi-square analysis indicated significant associations between education and both knowledge and preventive behavior (p < 0.05). Conclusion NTDs are poorly understood in Jenta rural communities, and gaps in knowledge and prevention practices are fueled by stigma. Education in the community, better health communication, and enhanced mass drug administration are necessary to alleviate the NTD burden