Public perception and health behaviours related to diphtheria risk in Northern Nigeria

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Erim, Ukamaka G. Okafor, Martin Z. Pam, Okechi Nzedibe, and 6 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6698204/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 17 Apr, 2026 Read the published version in Discover Public Health → Version 1 posted 16 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, has re-emerged in Northern Nigeria with serious public health consequences. Understanding how awareness and risk perception shape health behaviours is critical for controlling outbreaks. This study assessed public awareness, risk perception, and associated socio-demographic factors among residents in selected high-burden states in northern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2022 to December 2023 across ten northern Nigerian states. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain data from 2,924 arbitrarily designated adult participants through multistage sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Logistic regressions (univariate and multivariate) identified associations and real predictors of Diphtheria awareness and risk perception. Results: Out of 3,050 individuals approached, 2,924 completed the survey (95.9% response rate). Overall, 87.1% were aware of diphtheria. Radio (51.9%) and healthcare workers (28.7%) were the dominant sources of information. Tertiary education was the strongest predictor of awareness (COR 3.302; 95% CI:2.204–4.947; aOR 2.337; 95% CI:1.418–3.853; p < 0.001), while individuals with no formal education had significantly lower awareness (COR 0.486; p = 0.003). Islamic affiliation became significant after adjustment (aOR 1.527; p = 0.021), suggesting confounding or effect modifications. Marital status remained a key factor, with Single and Separated individuals being less aware of Diphtheria compared to married (aOR 0.776; 95% CI: 0.672–0.896; p = 0.001). Risk perception was also positively associated with tertiary education (aOR 1.262; p < 0.001), while males had significantly lower perception than females (aOR 0.790; p = 0.005). State of residence significantly influenced both awareness and risk perception (aOR 1.031; 95% CI: 1.000–1.063; p = 0.049). Despite high awareness, misconceptions persisted. Most participants (78.0%) were willing to vaccinate their under-five children, though 2.4% exhibited vaccine-hesitance. Conclusions: High awareness of diphtheria coexists with disparities in risk perception across marital status, state of residence, and gender. While education and trusted communication channels play a critical role in shaping public understanding, significant knowledge gaps remain. Addressing misconceptions, promoting vaccine acceptance, and implementing targeted awareness initiatives are essential. To improve Diphtheria outbreak response and preventive practices in Nigeria, it is vital to increase education, reduce gender disparities and enhance risk communication through culturally sensitive, multilingual strategies. Diphtheria Awareness Risk Perception Health Communication Vaccine Hesitancy Northern Nigeria Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Introduction The reemergence of Diphtheria, a highly communicable and vaccine-avoidable bacterial disease triggered by Corynebacterium diphtheriae , has become a serious universal public health apprehension. Although global Diphtheria incidence has declined, outbreaks still persist in low-vaccine-coverage areas, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across Southern Asia, South/Central America, and sub-Saharan Africa like Nigeria which have recently reported new cases [ 1 ]. Notable outbreaks occurred in countries like Venezuela, Yemen, and Indonesia in 2017, while Haiti continues to experience recurrent cases [ 2 – 5 ]. The epidemic in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, which recorded over 140,000 cases, stands as the most significant since the 1990s [ 6 ]. Diphtheria poses serious respiratory and systemic threats to public health [ 7 ]. It spreads primarily via respiratory droplets, though zoonotic transmission also occurs, especially in developing countries where human-animal interaction is high [ 8 ]. C. diphtheriae is the main causative agent, followed by C. ulcerans and the less frequent C. pseudotuberculosis . Infections often manifest as respiratory (nasal, pharyngeal, or laryngeal) diphtheria with complications such as myocarditis and neuropathy [ 9 ]. While C. diphtheriae causes respiratory disease, C. ulcerans is commonly associated with cutaneous diphtheria contracted via direct contact with infected lesions. Though Diphtheria can affect all ages, unvaccinated individuals especially children and those with incomplete immunization are at highest risk [ 10 ]. Immunization remains the most effective control strategy, with non-vaccination being a major risk factor [ 11 ]. Diphtheria vaccine development has advanced significantly since the 1950s, evolving from Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) to DPT, Td (tetanus-diphtheria), five-antigen (DTP-Hib-HepB), and six-antigen (DTP-Hib-HepB-IPV) formulations, which offer broader protection [ 12 ]. Other risk factors include poor hygiene and overcrowding, being conditions prevalent in many northern Nigerian communities [ 13 ]. The CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for all age groups [ 14 ] as the vaccine is 95% effective [ 15 ]. Despite widespread immunization, outbreaks persist in LMICs due to suboptimal coverage and weak health systems [ 9 ]. In Nigeria, frequent outbreaks highlight low vaccine coverage, especially in the North, where approximately seven million people remain unvaccinated [ 16 , 17 ]. For instance, from December 2022 to December 2024, the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (NCDC) reported 5,898 cases in 11 states with 99.4% from six northern states between June and August 2023 [ 18 ]. Vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation and mistrust, is prevalent in these regions, often exacerbated by high illiteracy, negative attitudes, and low awareness [ 19 ]. Evidence shows a strong link between low literacy and low diphtheria vaccine uptake [ 16 ]. Diphtheria's persistence in northern Nigeria is worsened by limited access to immunization, socio-cultural resistance, misinformation, and poor health communication [ 20 , 21 ]. These issues foster delayed healthcare-seeking and reduced vaccine confidence, especially in rural and underserved populations. Thus, understanding public risk perceptions and information sources is crucial to crafting effective interventions that increase compliance and prevent future outbreaks. Risk perception plays a central role in disease control, as it shapes how communities interpret health threats and respond to interventions [ 22 ]. Public understanding of disease severity and susceptibility can drive preventive actions and trusted information sources such as media, community leaders, schools, family, and peers significantly influence awareness, risk perception, and health behavior [ 23 ]. However, misinformation, fear, and stigma can reduce vaccine uptake and hinder outbreak response. Studies on vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria reveal that education, socio-economic status, and occupation affect public health behavior [ 24 , 25 ]. However, studies specifically addressing diphtheria-related knowledge, risk perception, and behavioral responses remain limited. Furthermore, there is a critical need to examine how demographic factors interact with awareness levels to influence community responses during outbreaks [ 26 ]. The recurring outbreaks and low immunization rates persistent in northern Nigeria emphasize the need to better understand risk perception and health behavior related to Diphtheria [ 27 ]. Meta-analyses indicate that interventions targeting risk perception can significantly enhance protective health behavior [ 24 ]. This study aimed to fill this gap by exploring public awareness, perception, and preventive behavior related to diphtheria in selected northern Nigerian states during the outbreak period from December 2022 to December 2023. It also investigated the influence of socio-demographic variables on risk perception and assesses the role of various information channels in shaping community understanding of the disease. Findings from this research will inform future risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management strategies, providing actionable insights for public health authorities and development partners working to reduce the burden of diphtheria in Nigeria. Methods Study Design and Setting This research adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey strategy to assess awareness, risk perception, and preventive behaviors related to diphtheria among residents in selected states in Northern Nigeria. Data were collected between December 2022 and December 2023 in ten (10) northern states being Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Nassarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) (Fig. 1 ). These locations were selected based on reported cases during the 2023 diphtheria outbreak as documented by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) [ 28 ] and the World Health Organization (WHO) [ 29 ] Study Population and Sampling Technique A total of 2,924 adult respondents (aged 18 years and above) participated in the study. A multistage sampling technique was employed. First, states were selected purposively based on outbreak reports. Then, within each selected state, local government areas (LGAs) were randomly sampled. Lastly, households were systematically sampled, and eligible adults within households were selected using simple random sampling. The participants gave their informed verbal consent prior to taking part in the work. Data Collection Instrument Data were obtained by means of a structured interview-based delivered questionnaire, formulated based on the Diphtheria Rapid Perception Survey Tool adapted from WHO guidelines (WHO, 2022) and previous KAP studies on vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria [ 30 , 31 ] [ 7 , 8 ]. The instrument was translated into Hausa for ease of administration in local communities and back-translated into English to ensure accuracy. The tool had sections on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of diphtheria, sources of information, perceptions of diphtheria risk and severity, and preventive practices and healthcare-seeking behavior. Prior to full deployment, the tool was pretested with 50 respondents in a non-participating LGA to validate clarity and boost its reliability. Data Analysis Data were cleaned after entry into Microsoft Excel 365 package and imported into STATA 17 (StataCorp LLC Statistics and Data science USA) for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) were used to summarize respondent socio-demographic characteristics and awareness levels. Chi-square tests was employed to determine associations between awareness or perception and socio-demographic variables. Binary logistic regression (both univariate and multivariate) was conducted to identify predictors of diphtheria awareness and risk perception. Results were reported as crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p-value of ≤ 0.05 were termed statistically significant. Ethical Considerations Ethical approval for this study was gotten from the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC Ref. NHREC/01/01/2007-19/07/2022) after submission and vetting the study protocol. All data collected were anonymized and stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Results Socio-Demographic Characteristics A total of 2,924 respondents participated in the study with marginally most males (51.3%) than females (48.7%). Majority of the respondents were between 30–39 years (35.8%), married (74.7%), and practiced Islam (90.1%). Approximately one-third (34.7%) had tertiary education, while 19.1% had no formal education. The most common occupation was petty trading/self-employment (18.2%), followed by business owners (17.3%). Katsina (20.4%) and Kano (19.2%) had the highest representation. Table 1 Study respondents socio-demographic info based on Sex, Age group, Educational level, Religion, Marital status, Occupation and State in some Northern areas of Nigeria, Dec. 2022–2023 Variables Frequency (n = 2,924) Percentage (%) Sex Female 1,423 48.67 Male 1,501 51.33 Age 18–29 878 30.03 30–39 1,048 35.84 40–49 624 21.34 50–59 285 9.75 60 and above 89 3.04 Educational attainment No formal schooling 559 19.12 Primary School 445 15.22 Junior Secondary level 179 6.12 Senior Secondary level 727 24.86 Tertiary education 1,014 34.68 Religion Christianity 276 9.44 Islam 2,634 90.08 Traditionalist 14 0.48 Marital Status Single 592 20.25 Married 2,184 74.69 Separated 148 5.06 Occupation Artisan/Installation/Repair Worker 39 1.33 Business Owner/Entrepreneur 507 17.34 Farming/fishing/Agric. Worker 320 10.94 Government Worker/Civil Servant 367 12.55 Healthcare workers 288 9.85 Professional worker (Lawyer, etc) 58 1.98 Self-Employed/Petty Trader 533 18.23 Student 246 8.41 Teacher/Religious/Missionary Worker 106 3.63 Unemployed Youth /Adult 230 7.87 Youth Corps Member 31 1.06 Others 199 6.81 State Bauchi 370 12.65 Jigawa 179 6.12 Kaduna 258 8.82 Kano 560 19.15 Katsina 595 20.35 Nassarawa 135 4.62 Yobe 257 8.79 Zamfara 201 6.87 Abuja 167 5.71 Borno 202 6.91 Total 2,924 100.00 General Respondents Awareness of Diphtheria and stratification based on demographics Overall, 87.1% of respondents were aware of diphtheria (Fig. 2 ). Awareness was significantly associated with educational level (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.002), occupation (p = 0.001), and state of abode (p = 0.001), but not with sex or religion. Tertiary education (37.4%) and being married (75.7%) were associated with higher awareness. Healthcare workers (97.2%) and civil servants (96.2%) showed the highest levels of awareness, while farmers (81.3%) and the unemployed had lower awareness rates (Table 2 ). Table 2 Awareness of participants on Diphtheria based on demographics (Sex, Age group, Educational level, Religion, Marital status, Occupation and States) in some Northern states of Nigeria , Dec. 2022– 2023. Characteristics Total n = 2,924 (%) Awareness of Diphtheria Yes n = 2,546 (%) No n = 378 (%) P value Sex 0.15 Female 1,423 (48.7) 1,226 (48.1) 197 (52.1) Male 1,501 (51.3) 1,320 (51.9) 181 (47.9) Age 0.06 18–29 878 (30.0) 750 (29.5) 128 (33.9) 30–39 1,048 (35.8) 927 (36.4) 121 (32.0) 40–49 624 (21.3) 551 (21.6) 73 (19.3) 50–59 285 (9.8) 247 (9.7) 38 (10.1) 60 and above 89 (3.0) 71 (2.8) 18 (4.8) Educational attainment 0.001 * No formal schooling 559 (19.1) 424 (16.7) 135 (35.7) Primary level 445 (15.2) 378 (14.9) 67 (17.7) Junior Secondary level 179 (6.1) 155 (6.1) 24 (6.4) Senior Secondary level 727 (24.9) 638 (25.1) 89 (23.5) Tertiary education 1,014 (34.7) 951 (37.4) 63 (16.7) Religion 0.31 Christianity 276 (9.4) 234 (9.2) 42 (11.1) Islam 2,634 (90.1) 2,301 (90.4) 333 (88.1) Traditionalist 14 (0.5) 11 (0.4) 3 (0.8) Marital Status 0.002 * Single 592 (20.2) 500 (19.6) 92 (24.3) Married 2,184 (74.7) 1,927 (75.7) 257 (68.0) Separated 148 (5.1) 119 (4.7) 29 (7.7) Occupation 0.001 * Artisan/Installation/Repair 39 (1.33) 32 (1.3) 7 (1.9) Business Owner/Entrepreneur 507 (17.3) 441 (17.3) 66 (17.5) Farming/fishing/Agric. Worker 320 (10.9) 260 (10.2) 60 (15.9) Government Worker/Civil Servant 367 (12.6) 353 (13.9) 14 (3.7) Healthcare workers 288 (9.9) 280 (11.0) 8 (2.1) Professional worker (Lawyer, etc) 199 (2.0) 53 (2.1) 5 (1.3) Self-Employed/Petty Trader 533 (18.2) 436 (17.1) 97 (25.7) Student 58 (8.4) 214 (8.4) 32 (8.5) Teacher/Religious/Missionary Worker 106 (3.6) 98 (3.9) 8 (2.1) Unemployed Youth / Adult 230 (7.9) 189 (7.4) 41 (10.9) Youth Corps Member 31 (1.1) 30 (1.2) 1 (0.3) Others 199 (6.8) 160 (6.3) 39 (10.3) State 0.001 * Bauchi 370 (12.7) 313 (12.3) 57 (15.1) Jigawa 179 (6.1) 128 (5.0) 51 (13.5) Kaduna 258 (8.8) 220 (8.6) 38 (10.1) Kano 560 (19.2) 470 (18.5) 90 (23.8) Katsina 595 (20.4) 585 (23.0) 10 (2.7) Nassarawa 135 (4.6) 126 (4.9) 9 (2.4) Yobe 257 (8.8) 222 (8.7) 35 (9.3) Zamfara 201 (6.9) 181 (7.1) 20 (5.3) Abuja 167 (5.7) 137 (5.4) 30 (7.9) Borno 202 (6.9) 164 (6.4) 38 (10.1) * = Significant p-value (≤ 0.05) Sources of Information Radio was the dominant source of diphtheria-related information (51.9%), followed by healthcare workers (28.7%), and family/friends (22.5%). Other sources included social media (20.6%), religious leaders (14.7%), and television (15.9%). Community members and traditional healers played minor roles. Table 3 Diphtheria awareness information channel of respondents in some Northern states of Nigeria, Dec.2022–2023 ( n = 2,924) Info Source Freq/n Percent χ²/(p-value) Radio 1,517 51.88 129.391/ ( 0.001*) TV 465 15.90 26.437/ ( 0.001*) Social media 602 20.59 51.854/ ( 0.001*) Family/Friends/Partner 658 22.50 45.426/ ( 0.001*) NCDC/NPHCDA 309 10.57 30.787/ ( 0.001*) NGO 250 8.55 17.661/ ( 0.001*) Community/Religious leaders 431 14.74 5.972/ (0.015) Traditional healers/Midwives 137 4.69 0.5000/ (0.480) Someone from the community 102 3.49 0.431/ (0.511) Others 540 18.47 253.981/ ( 0.001*) HCW(Doctors/Nurses/CHEW-CHO) 839 28.69 75.833/ ( 0.001*) * = Significant p-value (≤ 0.05) Diphtheria Risk Perception Most respondents (58.2%) perceived diphtheria as a very dangerous disease, while 4.1% believe it is not dangerous (Table 4 ). Risk perception was significantly connected with age, education, married-status, occupation, and state of residence (all p ≤ 0.05), but not with sex (p = 0.167). Individuals with tertiary education 641 (37.7%) and those that are Self-Employed/Petty Traders demonstrated the highest risk perception 289 (17.0%) as seen in Table.5 Table 4 Participants general perception on diphtheria in some Northern states of Nigeria, 2023 What is your perception regarding diphtheria? Freq. Percent Very dangerous 1,702 58.21 Somehow dangerous 296 10.12 Neutral/Not sure 181 6.19 Not very dangerous 624 21.34 Not dangerous at all 121 4.14 Total 2,924 100.00 Table 5 Participants risk perceptions on diphtheria stratified by their demographic features in some Northern states of Nigeria, 2023 Characteristics Total n = 2924 What is your perception of Diphtheria disease (Response/%) Very dangerous Somehow dangerous Neutral/Not sure Not very dangerous Not dangerous at all P-value Sex 0.167 Female 1423 (48.7) 853 (50.1) 142 (48.0) 89 (49.2) 291 (46.6) 48 (39.7) Male 1501 (51.3) 849 (49.9) 154 (52.0) 92 (50.8) 333 (53.4) 73 (60.3) Age 0.001* 18–29 878 (30.0) 466 (27.4) 104 (35.1) 59 (32.6) 211 (33.8) 38 (31.4) 30–39 1,048 (35.8) 646 (38.0) 101 (34.1) 48 (18.2) 214 (34.3) 39 (32.2) 40–49 624 (21.3) 379 (22.3) 55 (18.6) 33 () 133 (21.3) 24 (19.8) 50–59 285 (9.8) 162 (9.5) 30 (10.1) 24 (13.3) 57 (9.1) 12 (9.9) 60 and above 89 (3.0) 49 (2.9) 6 (2.0) 17 (9.4) 9 (1.4) 8 (6.6) Educational attainment 0.001* No formal schooling 559 (19.1) 284 (16.7) 48 (\16.2) 73 (40.3) 108 (17.3) 46 (38.0) Primary level 445 (15.2) 272 (16.0) 27 (9.1) 22 (12.2) 102 (16.3) 22 (18.2) Junior Secondary level 179 (6.1) 94 (5.0) 16 (5.4) 9 (5.0) 53 (8.5) 7 (5.8) Senior Secondary level 727 (24.9) 411 (24.1) 75 (25.3) 41 (22.7) 166 (26.6) 34 (28.1) Tertiary education 1,014 (34.7) 641 (37.7) 130 (43.9) 36 (19.9) 195 (31.3) 12 (9.9) Religion 0.001* Christianity 276 (9.4) 152 (8.9) 39 (13.2) 17 (9.4) 59 (9.5) 9 (7.4) Islam 2,634 (90.1) 1,545 (90.8) 257 (86.8) 158 (87.3) 564 (90.4) 110 (90.9) Traditionalist 14 (0.5) 5 (0.3) 0 (0.0) 6 (3.3) 1 (0.2) 2 (1.7) Marital Status 0.001* Single 592 (20.2) 1,316 (77.3) 225 (76.0) 123 (68.0) 434 (69.6) 86 (71.1) Married 2184 (74.7) 72 (4.2) 11 (3.7) 18 (10.0) 41 (66) 6 (5.0) Separated 148 (5.1) 314 (18.4) 60 (20.3) 40 (22.1) 149 (23.9) 29 (24.0) Occupation 0.001* Artisan/Installation/Repair 39 (1.33) 16 (0.9) 5 (17) 2 (1.1) 14 (2.2) 2 (1.7) Business owner/Entrepreneur 507 (17.3) 269 (15.8) 51 (17.2) 33 (18.2) 131 (21.0) 23 (19.0) Farming/fishing/Agric. Worker 320 (10.9) 188 (11.0) 28 (9.5) 30 (16.6) 60 (9.6) 14 (11.6) Government Worker/Civil Servant 367 (12.6) 256 (15.0) 31 (10.5) 8 (4.4) 66 (10.6) 6 (5.0) Healthcare workers 288 (9.9) 182 (10.7) 50 (16.9) 2 (1.1) 50 (8.0) 4 (3.3) Professional worker (Lawyer, etc.) 199 (2.0) 47 (2.8) 4 (1.4) 1(0.6) 4 (0.6) 2 (1.7) Self-Employed/Petty Trader 533 (18.2) 289 (17.0) 56 (18.9) 35 (19.3) 123\(19.7) 30 (24.8) Student 58 (8.4) 127 (7.5) 27 (9.1) 10 (5.5) 72 (11.5) 10 (8.3) Teacher/Religious/Missionary Worker 106 (3.6) 66 (3.9) 12 (4.1) 9 (5.0) 18 (2.9) 1 (0.8) Unemployed Youth / Adult 230 (7.9) 123 (7.2) 20 (6.8) 21 (11.6) 50 (8.0) 16 (13.2) Youth Corps Member 31 (1.1) 21 (1.2) 2 (0.7) 1 (0.6) 7 (1.1) 0 (0.0) Others 199 (6.8) 118 (6.9) 10 (3.4) 29 (16.0) 29 (4.6) 13 (10.7) State 0.001* Abuja 167 (5.7) 60 (3.5) 49 (16.6) 16 (8.8) 38 (6.1) 4 (3.3) Bauchi 370 (12.7) 200 (11.8) 52 (17.6) 19 (10.5) 85 (13.6) 14 (11.6) Borno 202 (6.9) 116 (6.8) 32 (10.8) 4 (2.2) 45 (7.2) 5 (4.1) Jigawa 179 (6.1) 123 (7.2) 12 (4.1) 3 (1,7) 25 (4.0) 6 (5.0) Kaduna 258 (8.8) 96 (56) 44 (14.9) 10 (5.5) 80 (12,8) 28 (23.1) Kano 560 (19.2) 366 (21.5) 22 (7.4) 53 (29.3) 99 (15.9) 20 (16.5) Katsina 595 (20.4) 368 (21.6) 42 (14.2) 42 (2.3) 113 (18.1) 30 (24.8) Nassarawa 135 (4.6) 30 (1.8) 30 (10.1) 8 (4.4) 65 (10.4) 2 (1.7) Yobe 257 (8.8) 190 (11.2) 4 (1.4) 16 (8.8) 41 (6.6) 6 (5.0) Zamfara 201 (6.9) 153 (9.0) 9 (3.0) 10 (5.5) 23 (3.7) 6 (5.0) Total 2,924 1,702 (58.21) 296 (10.12) 181 (6.19) 624 (2134) 121 (4.14) * = Significant p-value (≤ 0.05) Participant’s responses on Diphtheria Preventive Practices and Health Behavior When asked about preventive actions, 56.7% correctly identified direct contact as a key mode of transmission. Handwashing (44.9%) and respiratory hygiene (43.8%) were the most cited prevention methods. Although 78.0% of respondents reported willingness to vaccinate their children, 2.4% were firmly opposed. While 88.0% said they would seek hospital care if a family member exhibited symptoms, 4.9% preferred traditional healers. Nearly one-third of respondents (27.1%) reported having had contact with a suspected diphtheria case. Table 6 Respondents answers to specific questions on diphtheria in some Northern states of Nigeria, Dec.2022–2023. Perception question Frequency (n = 2,924) Percent How does diphtheria infection spread? Blood transfusion 266 9.1 Droplets from infected people 1,272 43.5 Airborne 1,291 44.2 Direct contact with infected people 1,659 56.7 Touching contaminated objects/surfaces 479 16.4 Sexual/contact with contaminated animals 211 7.2 Mosquito bites 70 2.4 Eating contaminated food 116 4.0 Drinking unclean water 128 4.4 Don't know 398 1.6 Witchcraft/punishment from the gods 14 0.5 How can someone prevent him/herself from contracting the disease? Sleeping inside mosquito net 139 4.8 Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or spirit-based hand-gel/sanitizers 1,313 44.9 Drinking treated/portable water only 444 15.2 Closing your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing 1,281 43.8 Avoiding close interaction with anyone who has a fever and cough 1,094 37.4 Removing stagnant waters from your surroundings 132 4.5 Accept Diphtheria Vaccine as part of childhood-immunization agenda 1,170 40.0 Fasting and fervent prayers 136 4.7 Taking herbal drugs/medication 78 2.7 Others 303 10.4 How likely do you think you are to contract diphtheria? Likely 539 18.4 Very likely 394 13.5 Neutral/Not Sure 826 28.3 Unlikely 207 7.1 Very unlikely 958 32.7 How confident are you that you can protect yourself or your child from Diphtheria? Somewhat likely 521 18.3 Somewhat unlikely 117 4.1 Very likely 2,105 73.9 Very unlikely 104 3.7 What would you do if somebody from your family shows symptoms of Diphtheria? I will take him/her to the hospital/health care centre 2,572 88.0 I will take him /her to the neighborhood chemist/pharmacist 298 10.2 I'm going to look for the traditional healer 143 4.9 I will contact the LGA DSNO or nearest health facility 529 18.1 Other 120 4.1 How likely would you or your under-5 child take the vaccine if available? Somehow likely 400 13.7 Somehow unlikely 96 3.3 Undecided 76 2.6 Very Likely/definitely would get the vaccine 2,282 78.0 Very unlikely/would not get the vaccine 70 2.4 Have you ever been in contact with someone who had Diphtheria or was suspected of having Diphtheria? Don't know 665 22.7 No 1,426 48.8 Undecided 42 1.4 Yes 791 27.1 LGA = Local Government Area; DSNO = Disease Surveillance Notification Officer Predictors of Diphtheria Awareness Regression analysis (Table 7 ) revealed that Sex was not a significant predictor of diphtheria awareness (p = 0.151). Age showed mixed results as individuals aged 30–39 initially demonstrated higher awareness (COR 1.308; p = 0.049), but this lost significance after adjustment. Education emerged as a strong determinant as tertiary education was significantly associated with higher awareness (aOR 2.337; p = 0.000), while those without formal education had the lowest (COR 0.486; p = 0.003). Religion showed no crude significance, but adjusted models indicated higher awareness among Islamic respondents (aOR 1.527; p = 0.021) suggesting potential confounding or effect modifications. Marital status also mattered, with separated and single individuals showing lower awareness compared to married ones (aOR 0.776; p = 0.001). Occupation was influential with government and healthcare workers having significantly greater awareness (p = 0.001). State of residence was critical–Katsina and Nassarawa had higher awareness CORs (10.653; CI (5.366–21.152) and 2.550; CI (1.225–5.305), while Jigawa showed the lowest COR (0.457) with all significant p-values < 0.05 Table 7 Logistic regression (Univariate and Multivariate) analysis of participants Awareness on Diphtheria based on sociodemographic parameters from some states of Northern Nigeria Variable COR (95% CI) P-value AOR (95% CI) P-value Sex Female Ϯ 1 (base) Male 1.172 (0.944–1.455) 0.151 1.024 (0.814–1.287) 0.840 Age 18–29 Ϯ 1 (base) 30–39 1.308(1.002–1.707) 0.049* 0.945 (0.846–1.056) 0.319 40–49 1.288(0.947–1.752) 0.107 50–59 1.109(0.751–1.638) 0.602 60 and above 0.673 (0.388–1.167) 0.159 Educational attainment No formal schooling 0.486 (0.303–0.779) 0.003* 1.465 (1.346–1.594) 0.000* Primary School 0.874 (0.529–1.444) 0.598 Junior Secondary level Ϯ 1 (base) Senior Secondary level 1.101 (0.684–1.801) 0.673 Tertiary education 2.337 (1.418–3.853) 0.000* Religion Christianity Ϯ 1 (base) Islam 0.225 (0.876–1.756) 1.240 1.527 (1.0674–2.184) 0.021* Traditionalist 0.534 (0.176–2.459) 0.658 Marital Status Married Ϯ 1 (base) Separated 0.547(0.357–0.838) 0.006* 0.776 (0.672–0.896) 0.001* Single 0.725(0.560–0.938) 0.014* Occupation Artisan/Installation/Repair Ϯ 1 (base) Business Owner/Entrepreneur 1.462 (0.620–3.446) 0.386 0.975 (0.941–1.012) 0.186 Farming/fishing/Agric. Worker 0.948 (0.399–2.251) 0.903 Government Worker/Civil Servant 5.516 (2.077–14.649) 0.001* Healthcare workers 7.656 (2.604-22.5067) 0.001* Professional worker (Lawyer, etc.) 2.319 (0.679–7.922) 0.180 Self-Employed/Petty Trader 0.983 (0.422–2.293) 0.969 Student 1.463 (0.596–3.592) 0.406 Teacher/Religious/Missionary Worker 2.680 (0.901–7.971) 0.076 Unemployed Youth / Adult 1.008 (0.416–2.443) 0.985 Youth Corps Member 6.562 (0.762–56.546) 0.087 Others 0.8974 (0.369–2.184) 0.812 State Abuja 0.832 (0.512–1.351) 0.457 1.031 (0.988–1.077) 0.160 Bauchi Ϯ 1 (base) Borno 0.786 (0.500-1.235) 0.296 Jigawa 0.457(0.297–0.703) 0.000* Kaduna 1.054(0.675–1.646) 0.816 Kano 0.951(0.663–1.365) 0.785 Katsina 10.653 (5.366–21.152) 0.000* Nasarawa 2.550 (1.225–5.305) 0.012* Yobe 1.155(0.733–1.820) 0.534 Zamfara 1.648(0.959–2.832) 0.070 Ϯ = Reference group ; * = Significant p-value (≤ 0.05 ); COR = Crude odd ratios ; AOR = Adjusted odd ratios Predictors of Diphtheria Risk Perception among study participants Table 8 shows no crude association between Sex and risk perception, but the adjusted model revealed that males had significantly lower risk perception than females (aOR 0.790; p = 0.005), suggesting confounding effects. Although the 30–39 age group initially showed higher perception (COR 1.341; CI (1.106–1.626) p = 0.003), this was not significant after adjustment (p = 0.731). Tertiary education was strongly linked to higher risk perception (aOR 1.262; p = 0.000). Traditionalists had lower risk perception (p = 0.015), though this did not remain significant after adjustment. Marital status was influential with Separated (p = 0.000) and single (p = 0.001) individuals showing significantly lower perception than married respondents (aOR 0.807; p = 0.000). Occupation was not significant in the adjusted model, but professionals, government workers, healthcare workers, and teachers showed higher perception (p ≤ 0.05). State of residence was a key predictor, with adjusted analysis confirming its significance (aOR 1.031; CI (1.000–1.063) p = 0.049). Table 8 Logistic regression (Univariate and Multivariate) analysis of participant’s Risk perception on Diphtheria based on Sociodemographic variables Variable COR (95% CI) P-value AOR (95% CI) P-value Sex Female Ϯ 1 (base) Male 0.866 (0.741–1.013) 0.072 0.790 (0.669–0.933) 0.005* Age 18–29 Ϯ 1 (base) 30–39 1.341 (1.106–1.626) 0.003* 0.986 (0.908–1.070) 0.731 40–49 1.234 (0.991–1.538) 0.060 50–59 1.116 (0.840–1.482) 0.450 60 and above 0.874 (0.558–1.370) 0.557 Educational attainment No formal schooling 0.917 (0.650–1.296) 0.624 1.262 (1.185–1.343) 0.000* Primary School level 1.285 (0.896–1.842) 0.173 Junior Secondary level Ϯ 1 (base) Senior Secondary level 1.265 (0.902–1.77) 0.173 Tertiary education 1.990 (1.425–2.779) 0.000* Religion Christianity Ϯ 1 (base) Islam 0.964 (0.737–1.261) 0.788 1.045 (0.796–1.370) 0.755 Traditionalist 0.247 (0.080–0.760) 0.015* Marital Status Married Ϯ 1 (base) Separated 0.533 (0.380–0.747) 0.000* 0.807 (0.726–0.897) 0.000* Single 0.716 (0.592–0.866) 0.001* Occupation Artisan/Installation/Repair Ϯ 1 (base) Business Owner/Enterprenuer 1.467 (0.762–2.823) 0.252 0.992 (0.966–1.019) 0.559 Farming/fishing/Agric. Worker 1.780 (0.909–3.485) 0.092 Government Worker/Civil Servant 3.075 (1.563–6.0489) 0.001* Healthcare workers 3.551 (1.774–7.107) 0.000* Professional worker (Lawyer, etc) 6.245 (2.274–17.149) 0.000* Self-Employed/Petty Trader 1.573 (0.818–3.026) 0.175 Student 1.435 (0.727–2.833) 0.298 Teacher/Religious/Missionary Worker 2.388 (1.113–5.123) 0.025* Unemployed Youth /Adult 1.409 (0.711–2.791) 0.326 Youth Corps Member 2.464 (0.887–6.844) 0.084 Other 1.545 (0.773–3.091) 0.218 State Abuja 0.891 (0.605–1.312) 0.560 1.031 (1.000-1.063) 0.049* Bauchi Ϯ 1 (base) Borno 1.323 (0.903–1.939) 0.151 Jigawa 1.521 (1.012–2.287) 0.044* Kaduna 0.552 (0.398–0.767) 0.000* Kano 1.066 (0.803–1.415) 0.660 Katsina 1.061 (0.801–1.403) 0.681 Nassarawa 0.386 (0.257–0.578) 0.000* Yobe 1.470 (1.026–2.105) 0.036* Zamfara 1.979 (1.309–2.990) 0.001* Ϯ = Reference group ; * = Significant p-value (≤ 0.05); COR = Crude odd ratios ; AOR = Adjusted odd ratios Discussion and Conclusions This study provided important insights into public awareness, risk perceptions, and health behaviours related to diphtheria in selected northern Nigerian states during the 2022–2023 outbreak. The high awareness level (87.1%) is notably higher than earlier regional studies, for instance, 19.8% awareness has been reported in a rural Kaduna community, [ 27 ]. The surge in awareness observed in this study likely reflects increased public messaging and outbreak response interventions by national and international health authorities [ 32 ]. Mass media, especially radio, emerged as the dominant information source, confirming previous findings that radio remains a trusted and far-reaching communication medium in Northern Nigeria [ 33 ]. This aligns with UNICEF’s approach of using local-language radio messaging for health promotion during disease outbreaks [ 34 ]. However, community leaders and traditional healers' relatively low contributions as information sources suggests underutilized avenues for grassroots engagement and trust-building, particularly in underserved areas. Hence, there is a need to design more inclusive strategies of engaging community leaders, traditional healers and other grassroot community-based associations, in communicating correct health information to the public. Despite the high awareness, misconceptions persist. Some respondents incorrectly identified supernatural causes, unsafe food, or water as diphtheria transmission routes. These misconceptions have been documented in related research on outbreak misperceptions [ 35 , 36 ] and signal the need for localized, targeted, culturally appropriate health education to dispel misinformation. With these misconceptions notwithstanding, majority of participants expressed willingness to vaccinate their under-five children, while a minority (2.4%) showed outright refusal. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the persistence of vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria [ 37 , 38 ]. While most respondents indicated a preference for seeking hospital care in suspected cases, some reported they would turn to traditional healers or local chemists. This suggests that although formal healthcare services are generally trusted, alternative care practices still persist, highlighting the need for sustained community engagement to promote timely medical intervention. Encouragingly, many participants expressed confidence in their ability to protect themselves and their children and showed a willingness to receive the vaccine for themselves and their under-five children if made available. This contrasts with existing reports of widespread vaccine hesitancy, which are often driven by misinformation and distrust in the health system, as seen in studies on other infectious diseases in Nigeria [ 37 – 39 ]. Considering the higher awareness presented by the study respondents, it’s perplexing that they gave assurance of having not been in contact with any Diphtheria case buttressing the fact that most respondents in this study, though are aware of some aspects of diphtheria, they are most likely ill-informed about the disease to a large extent. This informs the need for enhanced disease awareness measures [ 36 ] The demographic patterns in awareness and risk perception have significant implications for intervention strategies. There was association between tertiary education and increased awareness and risk perception. This is supported by prior studies linking higher education with better understanding of vaccine-preventable diseases [ 40 , 41 ]. Healthcare professionals and government workers had the highest levels of awareness, likely due to occupational exposure to health communication and training. These findings are consistent with similar trends observed in outbreak-prone settings [ 42 ]. Marital status emerged as a key determinant of awareness, possibly due to parents’ willingness to obtained knowledge on vaccine-preventable diseases that affects their wards. Although religion initially showed no significant link to awareness, it became statistically relevant after adjusting for other variables, indicating potential confounding/effect modifications signifying other variables capacity to influence one’s religion on being aware of Diphtheria. The findings suggest that integrating infectious disease education into school curricula and vocational training could enhance awareness. Additionally, the low awareness observed among farmers and informal sector workers underscores the importance of targeted, community-based health education efforts. Risk perception varied, with most participants recognizing diphtheria as highly dangerous, consistent with existing literature [ 27 , 39 ]. Perception was influenced by all socio-demographic factors except sex [ 38 , 39 , 43 ], but contradicting other findings [ 27 ]. Education, marital status, and state of residence significantly influenced perception, with higher risk awareness observed among those with tertiary education, healthcare professionals, and residents of Jigawa, Yobe, and Zamfara. Conversely, males, single or separated individuals, and residents of Kaduna and Nassarawa exhibited lower perception levels. This suggests that direct exposure to outbreaks enhances perceived risk, reinforcing the need for localized risk communication strategies [ 44 , 45 ]. The high-risk perception among educated and healthcare-employed respondents presents an opportunity to leverage their awareness in strengthening disease surveillance and early response mechanisms in this highly endemic region [ 36 , 44 – 47 ]. Encouraging these groups to serve as community health advocates could improve grassroots-level disease reporting and intervention efforts. By way of limitations, t his study relied on self-reported awareness, which may be subject to social desirability bias and recall inaccuracies. Additionally, the limited availability of literature on diphtheria awareness in Nigeria makes it challenging to compare trends over time. Findings from this study may also not be fully generalizable to other Nigerian states due to regional differences in healthcare access, education, and communication channels. Notwithstanding these limits, the study presents valued acumens for policymakers, public health experts especially vaccinologists and researchers. Given that radio emerged as the most common information source, it can be leveraged for targeted health campaigns. Training rural health workers and religious leaders to disseminate credible information and counter vaccine-related misconceptions can further enhance awareness. In high-literacy areas, continued emphasis on vaccine safety and routine immunization is crucial. Furthermore, gender-specific health interventions may be necessary, as males demonstrated lower risk perception compared to females. Prospects for Further Research Future research should explore the impact of health education programs on diphtheria awareness over time, assessing whether increased information availability translates into behavioural changes. Longitudinal studies could provide understandings into the sustainability of awareness and the effectiveness of interventions. Also, research should investigate the role of social media in health communication within this region, as digital platforms are increasingly shaping public perceptions of disease outbreaks. Further investigation is also needed into vaccine hesitancy specific to diphtheria, identifying the socio-cultural and economic barriers preventing uptake. Research on community-based interventions, such as mobile vaccination units and peer-led health education, could provide practical solutions for increasing vaccine coverage. Given that certain states like Jigawa and Nassarawa exhibited lower awareness levels, comparative studies between high-awareness and low-awareness regions could uncover factors influencing health communication disparities. Policymakers could then use these insights to tailor public health messages that will better fit less or more enlighten states for more effective risk communication during epidemics Conclusions This study enhances the understanding of how socio-demographic factors influence diphtheria-related knowledge and behavior during outbreaks in low-resource settings. It confirms that education, occupation, marital status, state of residence, sex, and religion significantly shape both awareness and risk perceptions on Diphtheria. Radio remains a widely trusted and effective source of information in Northern Nigeria; however, persistent knowledge gaps underscore the urgent need for targeted community engagement, particularly in combating misinformation and improving vaccine acceptance. To bridge these gaps, public health stakeholders should expand multilingual, radio-based campaigns and train local influencers and frontline health workers to serve as community advocates. Tailoring risk communication strategies to key demographics such as gender, educational level, occupation and state will increase relevance and behavioral impact. Moreover, integrating diphtheria education into school curricula, workplace programs, and routine immunization outreach across states is critical. Since these interventions can encourage early health-seeking behaviors, improve vaccine uptake, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall preparedness and response capacity for diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Declarations Acknowledgement: We thank the participants and data collection team for their contributions. No additional acknowledgements. Authors contributions: Abara A. Erim conceived the study and led the design, analysis, and drafting of the manuscript. Ukamaka G. Okafor contributed to the study design, interpretation of findings, and critical revision of the manuscript. Martin Z. Pam assisted with data analysis and contributed to the interpretation of results. Okechi Nzedibe supported literature review and contributed to the methodological framework. Oluebubechukwu P. Eze participated in data cleaning and drafting the manuscript. Tolulope J. Oguniyi contributed to the contextual background and supported manuscript editing. Nzube G. Chukwujindu supported contributed to writing the methodology section. Chizaram Onyeaghala provided technical support in data processing and table preparation. Chinyere C. Chukwu-Mba contributed to stakeholder engagement and helped refine the implications section. Lawal H. Ohunene provided critical feedback on the manuscript draft and contributed to the discussion section. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript. Funding: This study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Data availability: The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to confidentiality constraints but are available from the corresponding author, Abara Erim ( [email protected] ), upon reasonable request. Ethics and Guidelines: This study was approved by the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC Ref. NHREC/01/01/2007-19/07/2022), and all procedures were conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the committee and the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments. Consent to Participate : Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants prior to their inclusion in the study. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. Consent to Publish declaration : Not applicable Availability of Data and Materials: The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to confidentiality constraints but are available from the corresponding author, Abara Erim ( [email protected] ), upon reasonable request. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Funding: This study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. References Polonsky JA, Ivey M, Mazhar MK, Rahman Z, le, Polain de Waroux O, Karo B, Jalava K, Vong S, Baidjoe A, Diaz J, Finger F. 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When the Next Disease Strikes: How To Communicate (and How Not To). Health Secur [Internet]. 2017 Jan 1 [cited 2025 May 1];15(1):28. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5314985/ Medugu N, Musa-Booth TO, Adegboro B, Onipede AO, Babazhitsu M, Amaza R. A review of the current diphtheria outbreaks. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology [Internet]. 2023 Apr 18 [cited 2025 Jan 20];24(2):120–9. Available from: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajcem/article/view/246009 Oduoye MO, Marsool MDM, Haider MU, Mukherjee D, Khan AW, Faloye TO et al. Unmasking diphtheria in Nigeria: A multifaceted approach to tackle outbreaks and improve immunization rates among the Nigerian population—An updated correspondence. Health Sci Rep [Internet]. 2024 Jan 1 [cited 2025 May 1];7(1). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38196568/ Olulaja ON, Anjorin ET, Ekerin O, Afolabi OT, Inuojo JM. (2023). A looming epidemic: Combating the recurrent outbreaks of diphtheria in Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J, 45 (1). NCDC. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/sitreps/?cat=18&name=An%20Update%20of%20 Diphtheria%20Outbreak%20in%20Nigeria (2023, accessed 29 October 2023). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 17 Apr, 2026 Read the published version in Discover Public Health → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 17 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 16 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 09 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 08 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 07 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 07 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 07 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 07 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 10 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 10 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 25 Jul, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 09 Jul, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 09 Jul, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 08 Jul, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 20 Jun, 2025 First submitted to journal 20 Jun, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6698204","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":482735215,"identity":"6799b34c-318c-4c31-94dd-8bd790838d59","order_by":0,"name":"Abara A. Erim","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA00lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDACCQjFw8DeAKQMLEjRwnMApEWCeC1ARgIKFzfgn9387MOPinsyujOfX93wo0CCgb+9OwG/JXeOGc/sOVPMY3Y7p+xmD9BhEmfObsBvzY0EYwbetgSQlrQbPEAtBhK5+LXI30j/zPj3H1DLzTNpN/8Qo8XgRo4xM28DUMsN9mO3ibLF8M6ZYmaZY0AtZ3LYbssYSPAQ9Ivc7fbNjG9qEuzNjh9/dvPNHxs5/vZeAt5HAB4DMEmschBgf0CK6lEwCkbBKBhBAABI5EcdQpePSAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Babcock University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Abara","middleName":"A.","lastName":"Erim","suffix":""},{"id":482735216,"identity":"0e9a201d-9690-4c67-b123-2ef8e8d8cd8c","order_by":1,"name":"Ukamaka G. Okafor","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Euclid University, Central African Republic","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ukamaka","middleName":"G.","lastName":"Okafor","suffix":""},{"id":482735217,"identity":"5c8b5d5f-52a0-4424-bf22-189a915a0ff0","order_by":2,"name":"Martin Z. Pam","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Martin","middleName":"Z.","lastName":"Pam","suffix":""},{"id":482735218,"identity":"815a69fa-aeef-4bf0-b687-8f6da4cbf9e2","order_by":3,"name":"Okechi Nzedibe","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Euclid University, Central African Republic","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Okechi","middleName":"","lastName":"Nzedibe","suffix":""},{"id":482735219,"identity":"5493f662-ca09-4724-a6f0-684d278c3724","order_by":4,"name":"Oluebubechukwu P. Eze","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Pharmacy Council of Nigeria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Oluebubechukwu","middleName":"P.","lastName":"Eze","suffix":""},{"id":482735220,"identity":"f8c9d97d-f388-4ede-854e-5aeb950b1ef7","order_by":5,"name":"Tolulope J. Ogunniyi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"State Specialist Hospital","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tolulope","middleName":"J.","lastName":"Ogunniyi","suffix":""},{"id":482735221,"identity":"fe67c0fc-f261-4b80-b09a-d8236bc321b6","order_by":6,"name":"Nzube G. Chukwujindu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Pharmacy Council of Nigeria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Nzube","middleName":"G.","lastName":"Chukwujindu","suffix":""},{"id":482735222,"identity":"576c486d-a189-42b9-a868-096374b82792","order_by":7,"name":"Chizaram Onyeaghala","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chizaram","middleName":"","lastName":"Onyeaghala","suffix":""},{"id":482735223,"identity":"ce893f7e-2136-40dd-8312-7862373c67c0","order_by":8,"name":"Chinenye C. Chukwu-Mba","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Oxford","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chinenye","middleName":"C.","lastName":"Chukwu-Mba","suffix":""},{"id":482735224,"identity":"cbaa3c51-2de9-4d52-8706-8eb4ced35e18","order_by":9,"name":"Lawal H. Ohunene","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ahmadu Bello University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Lawal","middleName":"H.","lastName":"Ohunene","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-05-19 10:53:28","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6698204/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6698204/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01759-8","type":"published","date":"2026-04-17T15:59:31+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":86662116,"identity":"88e36fb0-eac5-4872-9e52-2cecbb7969fa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-14 10:40:59","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":92586,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eConfirmed Diphtheria case Incidences per million population across Nigerian States. 2022 epi-week 19 to 2025 epi-week 11. Source: NCDC, 2024 [28]\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6698204/v1/d7c09b37af09ce8154df4c41.png"},{"id":86663301,"identity":"3b9f0ee0-7a72-4f99-bd46-56164809a62b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-14 10:48:59","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":106359,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePie chart showing study participants Awareness on Diphtheria in some Northern states of Nigeria, Dec. 2022-2023\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6698204/v1/00b3f27c66c8fe76bc79f4f6.png"},{"id":107351007,"identity":"aa4df0ac-4a17-49c0-96eb-6d8976601711","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-20 16:07:41","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1780634,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6698204/v1/4ae47254-2f3d-403e-b9d8-31c89dcebbcf.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Public perception and health behaviours related to diphtheria risk in Northern Nigeria","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe reemergence of Diphtheria, a highly communicable and vaccine-avoidable bacterial disease triggered by \u003cem\u003eCorynebacterium diphtheriae\u003c/em\u003e, has become a serious universal public health apprehension. Although global Diphtheria incidence has declined, outbreaks still persist in low-vaccine-coverage areas, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across Southern Asia, South/Central America, and sub-Saharan Africa like Nigeria which have recently reported new cases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Notable outbreaks occurred in countries like Venezuela, Yemen, and Indonesia in 2017, while Haiti continues to experience recurrent cases [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR3 CR4\" citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. The epidemic in Cox\u0026rsquo;s Bazar, Bangladesh, which recorded over 140,000 cases, stands as the most significant since the 1990s [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiphtheria poses serious respiratory and systemic threats to public health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. It spreads primarily via respiratory droplets, though zoonotic transmission also occurs, especially in developing countries where human-animal interaction is high [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. \u003cem\u003eC. diphtheriae\u003c/em\u003e is the main causative agent, followed by \u003cem\u003eC. ulcerans\u003c/em\u003e and the less frequent \u003cem\u003eC. pseudotuberculosis\u003c/em\u003e. Infections often manifest as respiratory (nasal, pharyngeal, or laryngeal) diphtheria with complications such as myocarditis and neuropathy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. While \u003cem\u003eC. diphtheriae\u003c/em\u003e causes respiratory disease, \u003cem\u003eC. ulcerans\u003c/em\u003e is commonly associated with cutaneous diphtheria contracted via direct contact with infected lesions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThough Diphtheria can affect all ages, unvaccinated individuals especially children and those with incomplete immunization are at highest risk [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Immunization remains the most effective control strategy, with non-vaccination being a major risk factor [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Diphtheria vaccine development has advanced significantly since the 1950s, evolving from Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) to DPT, Td (tetanus-diphtheria), five-antigen (DTP-Hib-HepB), and six-antigen (DTP-Hib-HepB-IPV) formulations, which offer broader protection [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Other risk factors include poor hygiene and overcrowding, being conditions prevalent in many northern Nigerian communities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. The CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for all age groups [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] as the vaccine is 95% effective [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Despite widespread immunization, outbreaks persist in LMICs due to suboptimal coverage and weak health systems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Nigeria, frequent outbreaks highlight low vaccine coverage, especially in the North, where approximately seven million people remain unvaccinated [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. For instance, from December 2022 to December 2024, the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (NCDC) reported 5,898 cases in 11 states with 99.4% from six northern states between June and August 2023 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. Vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation and mistrust, is prevalent in these regions, often exacerbated by high illiteracy, negative attitudes, and low awareness [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Evidence shows a strong link between low literacy and low diphtheria vaccine uptake [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Diphtheria's persistence in northern Nigeria is worsened by limited access to immunization, socio-cultural resistance, misinformation, and poor health communication [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. These issues foster delayed healthcare-seeking and reduced vaccine confidence, especially in rural and underserved populations. Thus, understanding public risk perceptions and information sources is crucial to crafting effective interventions that increase compliance and prevent future outbreaks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRisk perception plays a central role in disease control, as it shapes how communities interpret health threats and respond to interventions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. Public understanding of disease severity and susceptibility can drive preventive actions and trusted information sources such as media, community leaders, schools, family, and peers significantly influence awareness, risk perception, and health behavior [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. However, misinformation, fear, and stigma can reduce vaccine uptake and hinder outbreak response.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudies on vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria reveal that education, socio-economic status, and occupation affect public health behavior [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. However, studies specifically addressing diphtheria-related knowledge, risk perception, and behavioral responses remain limited. Furthermore, there is a critical need to examine how demographic factors interact with awareness levels to influence community responses during outbreaks [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. The recurring outbreaks and low immunization rates persistent in northern Nigeria emphasize the need to better understand risk perception and health behavior related to Diphtheria [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Meta-analyses indicate that interventions targeting risk perception can significantly enhance protective health behavior [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to fill this gap by exploring public awareness, perception, and preventive behavior related to diphtheria in selected northern Nigerian states during the outbreak period from December 2022 to December 2023. It also investigated the influence of socio-demographic variables on risk perception and assesses the role of various information channels in shaping community understanding of the disease. Findings from this research will inform future risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management strategies, providing actionable insights for public health authorities and development partners working to reduce the burden of diphtheria in Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStudy Design and Setting\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis research adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey strategy to assess awareness, risk perception, and preventive behaviors related to diphtheria among residents in selected states in Northern Nigeria. Data were collected between December 2022 and December 2023 in ten (10) northern states being Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Nassarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). These locations were selected based on reported cases during the 2023 diphtheria outbreak as documented by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] and the World Health Organization (WHO) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy Population and Sampling Technique\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 2,924 adult respondents (aged 18 years and above) participated in the study. A multistage sampling technique was employed. First, states were selected purposively based on outbreak reports. Then, within each selected state, local government areas (LGAs) were randomly sampled. Lastly, households were systematically sampled, and eligible adults within households were selected using simple random sampling. The participants gave their informed verbal consent prior to taking part in the work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData Collection Instrument\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were obtained by means of a structured interview-based delivered questionnaire, formulated based on the Diphtheria Rapid Perception Survey Tool adapted from WHO guidelines (WHO, 2022) and previous KAP studies on vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. The instrument was translated into Hausa for ease of administration in local communities and back-translated into English to ensure accuracy. The tool had sections on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of diphtheria, sources of information, perceptions of diphtheria risk and severity, and preventive practices and healthcare-seeking behavior. Prior to full deployment, the tool was pretested with 50 respondents in a non-participating LGA to validate clarity and boost its reliability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were cleaned after entry into Microsoft Excel 365 package and imported into STATA 17 (StataCorp LLC Statistics and Data science USA) for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) were used to summarize respondent socio-demographic characteristics and awareness levels. Chi-square tests was employed to determine associations between awareness or perception and socio-demographic variables. Binary logistic regression (both univariate and multivariate) was conducted to identify predictors of diphtheria awareness and risk perception. Results were reported as crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p-value of \u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05 were termed statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEthical Considerations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical approval for this study was gotten from the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC Ref. NHREC/01/01/2007-19/07/2022) after submission and vetting the study protocol. All data collected were anonymized and stored securely to maintain confidentiality.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eSocio-Demographic Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA total of 2,924 respondents participated in the study with marginally most males (51.3%) than females (48.7%). Majority of the respondents were between 30\u0026ndash;39 years (35.8%), married (74.7%), and practiced Islam (90.1%). Approximately one-third (34.7%) had tertiary education, while 19.1% had no formal education. The most common occupation was petty trading/self-employment (18.2%), followed by business owners (17.3%). Katsina (20.4%) and Kano (19.2%) had the highest representation.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudy respondents socio-demographic info based on Sex, Age group, Educational level, Religion, Marital status, Occupation and State in some Northern areas of Nigeria, Dec. 2022\u0026ndash;2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,924)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,423\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,501\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e878\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,048\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u0026ndash;49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e624\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u0026ndash;59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e285\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducational attainment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal schooling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e559\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary School\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e445\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJunior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSenior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e727\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,014\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e276\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,634\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditionalist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital Status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e592\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,184\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e74.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeparated\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e148\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOccupation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtisan/Installation/Repair Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBusiness Owner/Entrepreneur\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e507\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFarming/fishing/Agric. Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e320\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Worker/Civil Servant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e367\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHealthcare workers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e288\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProfessional worker (Lawyer, etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf-Employed/Petty Trader\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e533\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e246\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTeacher/Religious/Missionary Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed Youth /Adult\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e230\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYouth Corps Member\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e199\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eState\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBauchi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e370\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJigawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKaduna\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e258\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKano\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e560\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKatsina\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e595\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNassarawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e135\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYobe\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZamfara\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e201\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbuja\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e167\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBorno\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e202\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2,924\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.00\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGeneral Respondents Awareness of Diphtheria and stratification based on demographics\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, 87.1% of respondents were aware of diphtheria (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Awareness was significantly associated with educational level (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001), marital status (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.002), occupation (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001), and state of abode (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001), but not with sex or religion. Tertiary education (37.4%) and being married (75.7%) were associated with higher awareness. Healthcare workers (97.2%) and civil servants (96.2%) showed the highest levels of awareness, while farmers (81.3%) and the unemployed had lower awareness rates (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAwareness of participants on Diphtheria based on demographics (Sex, Age group, Educational level, Religion, Marital status, Occupation and States) in some Northern states of Nigeria\u003c/em\u003e, Dec. 2022\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003e2023.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCharacteristics\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,924 (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAwareness of Diphtheria\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,546 (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;378 (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,423 (48.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,226 (48.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e197 (52.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,501 (51.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,320 (51.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e181 (47.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e878 (30.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e750 (29.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e128 (33.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,048 (35.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e927 (36.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e121 (32.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u0026ndash;49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e624 (21.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e551 (21.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73 (19.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u0026ndash;59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e285 (9.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e247 (9.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89 (3.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71 (2.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (4.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducational attainment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001\u003c/strong\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal schooling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e559 (19.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e424 (16.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e135 (35.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e445 (15.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e378 (14.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67 (17.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJunior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179 (6.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e155 (6.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24 (6.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSenior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e727 (24.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e638 (25.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89 (23.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,014 (34.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e951 (37.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63 (16.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eReligion\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e276 (9.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e234 (9.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (11.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,634 (90.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,301 (90.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e333 (88.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditionalist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (0.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (0.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (0.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.002\u003c/strong\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e592 (20.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e500 (19.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92 (24.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,184 (74.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,927 (75.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257 (68.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeparated\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e148 (5.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e119 (4.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (7.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001\u003c/strong\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtisan/Installation/Repair\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39 (1.33)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32 (1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7 (1.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBusiness Owner/Entrepreneur\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e507 (17.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e441 (17.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66 (17.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFarming/fishing/Agric. Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e320 (10.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e260 (10.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 (15.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Worker/Civil Servant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e367 (12.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e353 (13.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (3.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHealthcare workers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e288 (9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e280 (11.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (2.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProfessional worker (Lawyer, etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e199 (2.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53 (2.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf-Employed/Petty Trader\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e533 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e436 (17.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97 (25.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58 (8.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e214 (8.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32 (8.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTeacher/Religious/Missionary Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106 (3.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (3.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (2.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed Youth / Adult\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e230 (7.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e189 (7.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (10.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYouth Corps Member\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (0.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e199 (6.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e160 (6.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39 (10.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001\u003c/strong\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBauchi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e370 (12.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e313 (12.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57 (15.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJigawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179 (6.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e128 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51 (13.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKaduna\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e258 (8.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e220 (8.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKano\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e560 (19.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e470 (18.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90 (23.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKatsina\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e595 (20.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e585 (23.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNassarawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e135 (4.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126 (4.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (2.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYobe\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257 (8.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e222 (8.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35 (9.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZamfara\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e201 (6.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e181 (7.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (5.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbuja\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e167 (5.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137 (5.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (7.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBorno\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e202 (6.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e164 (6.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e* = Significant p-value (\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05)\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eSources of Information\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRadio was the dominant source of diphtheria-related information (51.9%), followed by healthcare workers (28.7%), and family/friends (22.5%). Other sources included social media (20.6%), religious leaders (14.7%), and television (15.9%). Community members and traditional healers played minor roles.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDiphtheria awareness information channel of respondents in some Northern states of Nigeria, Dec.2022\u0026ndash;2023 (\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003e=\u0026thinsp;2,924)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInfo Source\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFreq/n\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026chi;\u0026sup2;/(p-value)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRadio\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,517\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e129.391/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTV\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e465\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.437/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSocial media\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e602\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.854/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFamily/Friends/Partner\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e658\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.426/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNCDC/NPHCDA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e309\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.787/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNGO\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e250\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.661/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCommunity/Religious leaders\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e431\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.972/ (0.015)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditional healers/Midwives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.5000/ (0.480)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSomeone from the community\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.431/ (0.511)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e540\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e253.981/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHCW(Doctors/Nurses/CHEW-CHO)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e839\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.833/ (\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e= Significant p-value (\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eDiphtheria Risk Perception\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMost respondents (58.2%) perceived diphtheria as a very dangerous disease, while 4.1% believe it is not dangerous (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Risk perception was significantly connected with age, education, married-status, occupation, and state of residence (all p\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05), but not with sex (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.167). Individuals with tertiary education 641 (37.7%) and those that are Self-Employed/Petty Traders demonstrated the highest risk perception 289 (17.0%) as seen in Table.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParticipants general perception on diphtheria in some Northern states of Nigeria, 2023\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhat is your perception regarding diphtheria?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFreq.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery dangerous\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,702\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSomehow dangerous\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e296\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNeutral/Not sure\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e181\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot very dangerous\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e624\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot dangerous at all\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2,924\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.00\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParticipants risk perceptions on diphtheria stratified by their demographic features in some Northern states of Nigeria, 2023\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCharacteristics\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003en\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2924\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth colspan=\"6\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhat is your perception of Diphtheria disease (Response/%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery dangerous\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSomehow dangerous\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeutral/Not sure\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot very dangerous\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot dangerous at all\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.167\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1423 (48.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e853 (50.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e142 (48.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89 (49.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e291 (46.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (39.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1501 (51.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e849 (49.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e154 (52.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92 (50.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e333 (53.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73 (60.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e878 (30.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e466 (27.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e104 (35.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59 (32.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e211 (33.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (31.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,048 (35.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e646 (38.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e101 (34.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e214 (34.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39 (32.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u0026ndash;49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e624 (21.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e379 (22.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55 (18.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33 ()\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e133 (21.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24 (19.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u0026ndash;59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e285 (9.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e162 (9.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24 (13.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57 (9.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89 (3.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49 (2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (2.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (9.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (1.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (6.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducational attainment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal schooling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e559 (19.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e284 (16.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (\\16.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73 (40.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108 (17.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46 (38.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e445 (15.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e272 (16.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27 (9.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (12.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102 (16.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJunior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179 (6.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16 (5.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53 (8.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7 (5.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSenior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e727 (24.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e411 (24.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75 (25.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (22.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e166 (26.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34 (28.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,014 (34.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e641 (37.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e130 (43.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36 (19.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e195 (31.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eReligion\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e276 (9.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e152 (8.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39 (13.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (9.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59 (9.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (7.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,634 (90.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,545 (90.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257 (86.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e158 (87.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e564 (90.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e110 (90.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditionalist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (0.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (0.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (0.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e592 (20.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,316 (77.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e225 (76.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e123 (68.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e434 (69.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86 (71.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2184 (74.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72 (4.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (3.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (10.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (66)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeparated\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e148 (5.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e314 (18.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 (20.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40 (22.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e149 (23.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (24.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtisan/Installation/Repair\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39 (1.33)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16 (0.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (17)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (2.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBusiness owner/Entrepreneur\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e507 (17.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e269 (15.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51 (17.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131 (21.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23 (19.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFarming/fishing/Agric. Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e320 (10.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e188 (11.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28 (9.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (16.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 (9.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (11.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Worker/Civil Servant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e367 (12.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e256 (15.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (10.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (4.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66 (10.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHealthcare workers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e288 (9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e182 (10.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 (16.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 (8.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProfessional worker (Lawyer, etc.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e199 (2.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47 (2.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (1.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1(0.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (0.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf-Employed/Petty Trader\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e533 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e289 (17.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56 (18.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35 (19.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e123\\(19.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (24.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58 (8.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127 (7.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27 (9.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (5.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72 (11.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (8.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTeacher/Religious/Missionary Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106 (3.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66 (3.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (4.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (0.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed Youth / Adult\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e230 (7.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e123 (7.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (6.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (11.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 (8.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16 (13.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYouth Corps Member\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (0.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (0.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7 (1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e199 (6.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118 (6.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (3.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (16.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (4.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (10.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbuja\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e167 (5.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 (3.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49 (16.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16 (8.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (6.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBauchi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e370 (12.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e200 (11.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52 (17.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 (10.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85 (13.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (11.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBorno\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e202 (6.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e116 (6.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32 (10.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (2.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45 (7.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (4.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJigawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179 (6.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e123 (7.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (4.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (1,7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25 (4.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKaduna\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e258 (8.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96 (56)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44 (14.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (5.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80 (12,8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28 (23.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKano\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e560 (19.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e366 (21.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (7.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53 (29.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99 (15.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (16.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKatsina\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e595 (20.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e368 (21.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (14.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (2.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e113 (18.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (24.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNassarawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e135 (4.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (1.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (4.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65 (10.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYobe\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257 (8.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e190 (11.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (1.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16 (8.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (6.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZamfara\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e201 (6.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e153 (9.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (3.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (5.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23 (3.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2,924\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1,702 (58.21)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e296 (10.12)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e181 (6.19)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e624 (2134)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e121 (4.14)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e* = Significant p-value (\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05)\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eParticipant\u0026rsquo;s responses on Diphtheria Preventive Practices and Health Behavior\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhen asked about preventive actions, 56.7% correctly identified direct contact as a key mode of transmission. Handwashing (44.9%) and respiratory hygiene (43.8%) were the most cited prevention methods. Although 78.0% of respondents reported willingness to vaccinate their children, 2.4% were firmly opposed. While 88.0% said they would seek hospital care if a family member exhibited symptoms, 4.9% preferred traditional healers. Nearly one-third of respondents (27.1%) reported having had contact with a suspected diphtheria case.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRespondents answers to specific questions on diphtheria in some Northern states of Nigeria, Dec.2022\u0026ndash;2023.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePerception question\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,924)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow does diphtheria infection spread?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBlood transfusion\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e266\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDroplets from infected people\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,272\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAirborne\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,291\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDirect contact with infected people\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,659\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTouching contaminated objects/surfaces\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e479\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSexual/contact with contaminated animals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e211\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMosquito bites\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEating contaminated food\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e116\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDrinking unclean water\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e128\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDon\u0026apos;t know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e398\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWitchcraft/punishment from the gods\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow can someone prevent him/herself from contracting the disease?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSleeping inside mosquito net\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWashing your hands frequently with soap and water or spirit-based hand-gel/sanitizers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,313\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDrinking treated/portable water only\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e444\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eClosing your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,281\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAvoiding close interaction with anyone who has a fever and cough\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,094\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRemoving stagnant waters from your surroundings\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e132\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAccept Diphtheria Vaccine as part of childhood-immunization agenda\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,170\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFasting and fervent prayers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e136\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTaking herbal drugs/medication\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e303\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow likely do you think you are to contract diphtheria?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLikely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e539\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery likely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e394\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNeutral/Not Sure\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e826\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnlikely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e207\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery unlikely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e958\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow confident are you that you can protect yourself or your child from Diphtheria?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSomewhat likely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e521\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSomewhat unlikely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e117\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery likely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,105\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery unlikely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e104\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat would you do if somebody from your family shows symptoms of Diphtheria?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eI will take him/her to the hospital/health care centre\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,572\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eI will take him /her to the neighborhood chemist/pharmacist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e298\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eI\u0026apos;m going to look for the traditional healer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e143\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eI will contact the LGA DSNO or nearest health facility\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e529\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow likely would you or your under-5 child take the vaccine if available?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSomehow likely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e400\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSomehow unlikely\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUndecided\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery Likely/definitely would get the vaccine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,282\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery unlikely/would not get the vaccine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHave you ever been in contact with someone who had Diphtheria or was suspected of having Diphtheria?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDon\u0026apos;t know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e665\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,426\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUndecided\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e791\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003eLGA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Local Government Area; DSNO\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Disease Surveillance Notification Officer\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003ePredictors of Diphtheria Awareness\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRegression analysis (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e) revealed that Sex was not a significant predictor of diphtheria awareness (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.151). Age showed mixed results as individuals aged 30\u0026ndash;39 initially demonstrated higher awareness (COR 1.308; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.049), but this lost significance after adjustment. Education emerged as a strong determinant as tertiary education was significantly associated with higher awareness (aOR 2.337; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000), while those without formal education had the lowest (COR 0.486; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.003). Religion showed no crude significance, but adjusted models indicated higher awareness among Islamic respondents (aOR 1.527; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.021) suggesting potential confounding or effect modifications. Marital status also mattered, with separated and single individuals showing lower awareness compared to married ones (aOR 0.776; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001). Occupation was influential with government and healthcare workers having significantly greater awareness (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001). State of residence was critical\u0026ndash;Katsina and Nassarawa had higher awareness CORs (10.653; CI (5.366\u0026ndash;21.152) and 2.550; CI (1.225\u0026ndash;5.305), while Jigawa showed the lowest COR (0.457) with all significant p-values\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLogistic regression (Univariate and Multivariate) analysis of participants Awareness on Diphtheria based on sociodemographic parameters from some states of Northern Nigeria\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.172 (0.944\u0026ndash;1.455)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.151\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.024 (0.814\u0026ndash;1.287)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.840\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;29 Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.308(1.002\u0026ndash;1.707)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.049*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.945 (0.846\u0026ndash;1.056)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.319\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u0026ndash;49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.288(0.947\u0026ndash;1.752)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.107\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u0026ndash;59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.109(0.751\u0026ndash;1.638)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.602\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.673 (0.388\u0026ndash;1.167)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.159\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducational attainment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal schooling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.486 (0.303\u0026ndash;0.779)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.003*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.465 (1.346\u0026ndash;1.594)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary School\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.874 (0.529\u0026ndash;1.444)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.598\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJunior Secondary level Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSenior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.101 (0.684\u0026ndash;1.801)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.673\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.337 (1.418\u0026ndash;3.853)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eReligion\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.225 (0.876\u0026ndash;1.756)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.240\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.527 (1.0674\u0026ndash;2.184)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.021*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditionalist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.534 (0.176\u0026ndash;2.459)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.658\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeparated\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.547(0.357\u0026ndash;0.838)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.006*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.776 (0.672\u0026ndash;0.896)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.725(0.560\u0026ndash;0.938)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.014*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtisan/Installation/Repair Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBusiness Owner/Entrepreneur\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.462 (0.620\u0026ndash;3.446)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.386\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.975 (0.941\u0026ndash;1.012)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.186\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFarming/fishing/Agric. Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.948 (0.399\u0026ndash;2.251)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.903\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Worker/Civil Servant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.516 (2.077\u0026ndash;14.649)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHealthcare workers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.656 (2.604-22.5067)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProfessional worker (Lawyer, etc.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.319 (0.679\u0026ndash;7.922)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.180\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf-Employed/Petty Trader\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.983 (0.422\u0026ndash;2.293)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.969\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.463 (0.596\u0026ndash;3.592)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.406\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTeacher/Religious/Missionary Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.680 (0.901\u0026ndash;7.971)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.076\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed Youth / Adult\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.008 (0.416\u0026ndash;2.443)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.985\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYouth Corps Member\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.562 (0.762\u0026ndash;56.546)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.087\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8974 (0.369\u0026ndash;2.184)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.812\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbuja\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.832 (0.512\u0026ndash;1.351)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.457\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.031 (0.988\u0026ndash;1.077)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.160\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBauchi Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBorno\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.786 (0.500-1.235)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.296\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJigawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.457(0.297\u0026ndash;0.703)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKaduna\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.054(0.675\u0026ndash;1.646)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.816\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKano\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.951(0.663\u0026ndash;1.365)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.785\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKatsina\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.653 (5.366\u0026ndash;21.152)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNasarawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.550 (1.225\u0026ndash;5.305)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.012*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYobe\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.155(0.733\u0026ndash;1.820)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.534\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZamfara\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.648(0.959\u0026ndash;2.832)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.070\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eϮ =\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReference group\u003c/em\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003e* =\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSignificant p-value (\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e); COR\u0026thinsp;=\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eCrude odd ratios\u003c/em\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003eAOR\u0026thinsp;=\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eAdjusted odd ratios\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003ePredictors of Diphtheria Risk Perception among study participants\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e shows no crude association between Sex and risk perception, but the adjusted model revealed that males had significantly lower risk perception than females (aOR 0.790; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.005), suggesting confounding effects. Although the 30\u0026ndash;39 age group initially showed higher perception (COR 1.341; CI (1.106\u0026ndash;1.626) p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.003), this was not significant after adjustment (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.731). Tertiary education was strongly linked to higher risk perception (aOR 1.262; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000). Traditionalists had lower risk perception (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.015), though this did not remain significant after adjustment. Marital status was influential with Separated (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000) and single (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001) individuals showing significantly lower perception than married respondents (aOR 0.807; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000). Occupation was not significant in the adjusted model, but professionals, government workers, healthcare workers, and teachers showed higher perception (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05). State of residence was a key predictor, with adjusted analysis confirming its significance (aOR 1.031; CI (1.000\u0026ndash;1.063) p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.049).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLogistic regression (Univariate and Multivariate) analysis of participant\u0026rsquo;s Risk perception on Diphtheria based on Sociodemographic variables\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.866 (0.741\u0026ndash;1.013)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.072\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.790 (0.669\u0026ndash;0.933)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.005*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;29 Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.341 (1.106\u0026ndash;1.626)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.003*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.986 (0.908\u0026ndash;1.070)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.731\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u0026ndash;49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.234 (0.991\u0026ndash;1.538)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.060\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u0026ndash;59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.116 (0.840\u0026ndash;1.482)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.450\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.874 (0.558\u0026ndash;1.370)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.557\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducational attainment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal schooling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.917 (0.650\u0026ndash;1.296)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.624\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.262 (1.185\u0026ndash;1.343)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary School level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.285 (0.896\u0026ndash;1.842)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.173\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJunior Secondary level Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSenior Secondary level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.265 (0.902\u0026ndash;1.77)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.173\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.990 (1.425\u0026ndash;2.779)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eReligion\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.964 (0.737\u0026ndash;1.261)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.788\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.045 (0.796\u0026ndash;1.370)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.755\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditionalist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.247 (0.080\u0026ndash;0.760)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.015*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeparated\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.533 (0.380\u0026ndash;0.747)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.807 (0.726\u0026ndash;0.897)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.716 (0.592\u0026ndash;0.866)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtisan/Installation/Repair Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBusiness Owner/Enterprenuer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.467 (0.762\u0026ndash;2.823)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.252\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.992 (0.966\u0026ndash;1.019)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.559\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFarming/fishing/Agric. Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.780 (0.909\u0026ndash;3.485)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.092\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Worker/Civil Servant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.075 (1.563\u0026ndash;6.0489)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHealthcare workers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.551 (1.774\u0026ndash;7.107)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProfessional worker (Lawyer, etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.245 (2.274\u0026ndash;17.149)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf-Employed/Petty Trader\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.573 (0.818\u0026ndash;3.026)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.175\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.435 (0.727\u0026ndash;2.833)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.298\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTeacher/Religious/Missionary Worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.388 (1.113\u0026ndash;5.123)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.025*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed Youth /Adult\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.409 (0.711\u0026ndash;2.791)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.326\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYouth Corps Member\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.464 (0.887\u0026ndash;6.844)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.084\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.545 (0.773\u0026ndash;3.091)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.218\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbuja\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.891 (0.605\u0026ndash;1.312)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.560\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.031 (1.000-1.063)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.049*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBauchi Ϯ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (base)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBorno\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.323 (0.903\u0026ndash;1.939)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.151\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJigawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.521 (1.012\u0026ndash;2.287)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.044*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKaduna\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.552 (0.398\u0026ndash;0.767)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKano\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.066 (0.803\u0026ndash;1.415)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.660\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKatsina\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.061 (0.801\u0026ndash;1.403)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.681\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNassarawa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.386 (0.257\u0026ndash;0.578)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYobe\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.470 (1.026\u0026ndash;2.105)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.036*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZamfara\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.979 (1.309\u0026ndash;2.990)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eϮ =\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReference group\u003c/em\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003e* =\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSignificant p-value (\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05);\u003c/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCOR\u0026thinsp;=\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eCrude odd ratios\u003c/em\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003eAOR\u0026thinsp;=\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eAdjusted odd ratios\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion and Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study provided important insights into public awareness, risk perceptions, and health behaviours related to diphtheria in selected northern Nigerian states during the 2022\u0026ndash;2023 outbreak. The high awareness level (87.1%) is notably higher than earlier regional studies, for instance, 19.8% awareness has been reported in a rural Kaduna community, [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. The surge in awareness observed in this study likely reflects increased public messaging and outbreak response interventions by national and international health authorities [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. Mass media, especially radio, emerged as the dominant information source, confirming previous findings that radio remains a trusted and far-reaching communication medium in Northern Nigeria [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. This aligns with UNICEF\u0026rsquo;s approach of using local-language radio messaging for health promotion during disease outbreaks [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. However, community leaders and traditional healers' relatively low contributions as information sources suggests underutilized avenues for grassroots engagement and trust-building, particularly in underserved areas. Hence, there is a need to design more inclusive strategies of engaging community leaders, traditional healers and other grassroot community-based associations, in communicating correct health information to the public.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the high awareness, misconceptions persist. Some respondents incorrectly identified supernatural causes, unsafe food, or water as diphtheria transmission routes. These misconceptions have been documented in related research on outbreak misperceptions [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e] and signal the need for localized, targeted, culturally appropriate health education to dispel misinformation. With these misconceptions notwithstanding, majority of participants expressed willingness to vaccinate their under-five children, while a minority (2.4%) showed outright refusal. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the persistence of vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. While most respondents indicated a preference for seeking hospital care in suspected cases, some reported they would turn to traditional healers or local chemists. This suggests that although formal healthcare services are generally trusted, alternative care practices still persist, highlighting the need for sustained community engagement to promote timely medical intervention. Encouragingly, many participants expressed confidence in their ability to protect themselves and their children and showed a willingness to receive the vaccine for themselves and their under-five children if made available. This contrasts with existing reports of widespread vaccine hesitancy, which are often driven by misinformation and distrust in the health system, as seen in studies on other infectious diseases in Nigeria [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsidering the higher awareness presented by the study respondents, it\u0026rsquo;s perplexing that they gave assurance of having not been in contact with any Diphtheria case buttressing the fact that most respondents in this study, though are aware of some aspects of diphtheria, they are most likely ill-informed about the disease to a large extent. This informs the need for enhanced disease awareness measures [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe demographic patterns in awareness and risk perception have significant implications for intervention strategies. There was association between tertiary education and increased awareness and risk perception. This is supported by prior studies linking higher education with better understanding of vaccine-preventable diseases [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]. Healthcare professionals and government workers had the highest levels of awareness, likely due to occupational exposure to health communication and training. These findings are consistent with similar trends observed in outbreak-prone settings [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. Marital status emerged as a key determinant of awareness, possibly due to parents\u0026rsquo; willingness to obtained knowledge on vaccine-preventable diseases that affects their wards. Although religion initially showed no significant link to awareness, it became statistically relevant after adjusting for other variables, indicating potential confounding/effect modifications signifying other variables capacity to influence one\u0026rsquo;s religion on being aware of Diphtheria. The findings suggest that integrating infectious disease education into school curricula and vocational training could enhance awareness. Additionally, the low awareness observed among farmers and informal sector workers underscores the importance of targeted, community-based health education efforts.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRisk perception varied, with most participants recognizing diphtheria as highly dangerous, consistent with existing literature [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. Perception was influenced by all socio-demographic factors except sex [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e], but contradicting other findings [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Education, marital status, and state of residence significantly influenced perception, with higher risk awareness observed among those with tertiary education, healthcare professionals, and residents of Jigawa, Yobe, and Zamfara. Conversely, males, single or separated individuals, and residents of Kaduna and Nassarawa exhibited lower perception levels. This suggests that direct exposure to outbreaks enhances perceived risk, reinforcing the need for localized risk communication strategies [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e]. The high-risk perception among educated and healthcare-employed respondents presents an opportunity to leverage their awareness in strengthening disease surveillance and early response mechanisms in this highly endemic region [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e]. Encouraging these groups to serve as community health advocates could improve grassroots-level disease reporting and intervention efforts.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy way of limitations, \u003cstrong\u003et\u003c/strong\u003ehis study relied on self-reported awareness, which may be subject to social desirability bias and recall inaccuracies. Additionally, the limited availability of literature on diphtheria awareness in Nigeria makes it challenging to compare trends over time. Findings from this study may also not be fully generalizable to other Nigerian states due to regional differences in healthcare access, education, and communication channels. Notwithstanding these limits, the study presents valued acumens for policymakers, public health experts especially vaccinologists and researchers. Given that radio emerged as the most common information source, it can be leveraged for targeted health campaigns. Training rural health workers and religious leaders to disseminate credible information and counter vaccine-related misconceptions can further enhance awareness. In high-literacy areas, continued emphasis on vaccine safety and routine immunization is crucial. Furthermore, gender-specific health interventions may be necessary, as males demonstrated lower risk perception compared to females.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProspects for Further Research\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuture research should explore the impact of health education programs on diphtheria awareness over time, assessing whether increased information availability translates into behavioural changes. Longitudinal studies could provide understandings into the sustainability of awareness and the effectiveness of interventions. Also, research should investigate the role of social media in health communication within this region, as digital platforms are increasingly shaping public perceptions of disease outbreaks. Further investigation is also needed into vaccine hesitancy specific to diphtheria, identifying the socio-cultural and economic barriers preventing uptake. Research on community-based interventions, such as mobile vaccination units and peer-led health education, could provide practical solutions for increasing vaccine coverage. Given that certain states like Jigawa and Nassarawa exhibited lower awareness levels, comparative studies between high-awareness and low-awareness regions could uncover factors influencing health communication disparities. Policymakers could then use these insights to tailor public health messages that will better fit less or more enlighten states for more effective risk communication during epidemics\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConclusions\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study enhances the understanding of how socio-demographic factors influence diphtheria-related knowledge and behavior during outbreaks in low-resource settings. It confirms that education, occupation, marital status, state of residence, sex, and religion significantly shape both awareness and risk perceptions on Diphtheria. Radio remains a widely trusted and effective source of information in Northern Nigeria; however, persistent knowledge gaps underscore the urgent need for targeted community engagement, particularly in combating misinformation and improving vaccine acceptance. To bridge these gaps, public health stakeholders should expand multilingual, radio-based campaigns and train local influencers and frontline health workers to serve as community advocates. Tailoring risk communication strategies to key demographics such as gender, educational level, occupation and state will increase relevance and behavioral impact. Moreover, integrating diphtheria education into school curricula, workplace programs, and routine immunization outreach across states is critical. Since these interventions can encourage early health-seeking behaviors, improve vaccine uptake, and strengthen Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s overall preparedness and response capacity for diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgement:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eWe thank the participants and data collection team for their contributions. No additional acknowledgements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAuthors contributions:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eAbara A. Erim conceived the study and led the design, analysis, and drafting of the manuscript. Ukamaka G. Okafor contributed to the study design, interpretation of findings, and critical revision of the manuscript. Martin Z. Pam assisted with data analysis and contributed to the interpretation of results. Okechi Nzedibe supported literature review and contributed to the methodological framework. Oluebubechukwu P. Eze participated in data cleaning and drafting the manuscript. Tolulope J. Oguniyi contributed to the contextual background and supported manuscript editing. Nzube G. Chukwujindu supported contributed to writing the methodology section. Chizaram Onyeaghala provided technical support in data processing and table preparation. Chinyere C. Chukwu-Mba contributed to stakeholder engagement and helped refine the implications section. Lawal H. Ohunene provided critical feedback on the manuscript draft and contributed to the discussion section. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFunding:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eThis study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability:\u003c/strong\u003e The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to confidentiality constraints but are available from the corresponding author, Abara Erim ([email protected]), upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics and Guidelines:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThis study was approved by the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC Ref. NHREC/01/01/2007-19/07/2022), and all procedures were conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the committee and the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate\u003c/strong\u003e: Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants prior to their inclusion in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical trial number:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish declaration\u003c/strong\u003e: Not applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of Data and Materials:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to confidentiality constraints but are available from the corresponding author, Abara Erim ([email protected]), upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThis study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePolonsky JA, Ivey M, Mazhar MK, Rahman Z, le, Polain de Waroux O, Karo B, Jalava K, Vong S, Baidjoe A, Diaz J, Finger F. 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Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/sitreps/?cat=18\u0026amp;name=An%20Update%20of%20\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/sitreps/?cat=18\u0026amp;name=An%20Update%20of%20\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e Diphtheria%20Outbreak%20in%20Nigeria (2023, accessed 29 October 2023).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Diphtheria, Awareness, Risk Perception, Health Communication, Vaccine Hesitancy, Northern Nigeria","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6698204/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6698204/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground: \u003c/strong\u003eDiphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, has re-emerged in Northern Nigeria with serious public health consequences. Understanding how awareness and risk perception shape health behaviours is critical for controlling outbreaks. This study assessed public awareness, risk perception, and associated socio-demographic factors among residents in selected high-burden states in northern Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods: \u003c/strong\u003eA cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2022 to December 2023 across ten northern Nigerian states. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain data from 2,924 arbitrarily designated adult participants through multistage sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Logistic regressions (univariate and multivariate) identified associations and real predictors of Diphtheria awareness and risk perception.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults: \u003c/strong\u003eOut of 3,050 individuals approached, 2,924 completed the survey (95.9% response rate). Overall, 87.1% were aware of diphtheria. Radio (51.9%) and healthcare workers (28.7%) were the dominant sources of information. Tertiary education was the strongest predictor of awareness (COR 3.302; 95% CI:2.204–4.947; aOR 2.337; 95% CI:1.418–3.853; p \u0026lt; 0.001), while individuals with no formal education had significantly lower awareness (COR 0.486; p = 0.003). Islamic affiliation became significant after adjustment (aOR 1.527; p = 0.021), suggesting confounding or effect modifications. Marital status remained a key factor, with Single and Separated individuals being less aware of Diphtheria compared to married (aOR 0.776; 95% CI: 0.672–0.896; p = 0.001). Risk perception was also positively associated with tertiary education (aOR 1.262; p \u0026lt; 0.001), while males had significantly lower perception than females (aOR 0.790; p = 0.005). State of residence significantly influenced both awareness and risk perception (aOR 1.031; 95% CI: 1.000–1.063; p = 0.049). Despite high awareness, misconceptions persisted. Most participants (78.0%) were willing to vaccinate their under-five children, though 2.4% exhibited vaccine-hesitance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusions: \u003c/strong\u003eHigh awareness of diphtheria coexists with disparities in risk perception across marital status, state of residence, and gender. While education and trusted communication channels play a critical role in shaping public understanding, significant knowledge gaps remain. Addressing misconceptions, promoting vaccine acceptance, and implementing targeted awareness initiatives are essential. To improve Diphtheria outbreak response and preventive practices in Nigeria, it is vital to increase education, reduce gender disparities and enhance risk communication through culturally sensitive, multilingual strategies.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Public perception and health behaviours related to diphtheria risk in Northern Nigeria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-14 10:32:54","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6698204/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-10-17T13:57:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-16T09:10:06+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"52278120461845007482591143409046794163","date":"2025-10-10T03:52:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-08T20:59:51+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"300817463512937127657452883889589708420","date":"2025-10-07T17:57:01+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"147437198430308137904395598305060337358","date":"2025-10-07T12:58:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"209373866982467273670769372586114616817","date":"2025-10-07T12:38:17+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"318077747286541767340993710678760956171","date":"2025-10-07T11:59:46+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-10T16:31:30+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"325276482286881191126332436160982569377","date":"2025-08-10T12:33:59+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"131719703193355045966834412024827426256","date":"2025-07-25T13:03:51+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"254582787701845939958640324643789785032","date":"2025-07-09T06:03:01+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-09T04:26:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-07-08T19:43:21+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-06-20T06:56:55+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Public Health","date":"2025-06-20T06:52:12+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"9fe677cd-d5dd-4cc9-b34d-874a935c2df9","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 14th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-20T16:05:28+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-6698204","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01759-8","journal":{"identity":"discover-public-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Discover Public Health"},"publishedOn":"2026-04-17 15:59:31","publishedOnDateReadable":"April 17th, 2026"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-14 10:32:54","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12982-026-01759-8","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01759-8","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6698204","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6698204","identity":"rs-6698204","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}