ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS PARTICIPATING IN ITS PREVENTION AND CONTROL
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Abstract
Background: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to pose a significant public health burden in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting underserved populations. Pharmacy students, as future healthcare professionals, are positioned to play key roles in community education, early
case detection, and prevention efforts. However, gaps in awareness and knowledge may limit their contributions. Objective: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of NTDs among pharmacy students
at the University of Benin and to evaluate their attitudes toward participating in the prevention and control of these diseases. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 pharmacy students intheir 500- and 600-levels. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics-including frequencies, percentages, and means-were used to summarize
socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes. Results were presented in tables. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection. Results: A total of 311 respondents participated (response rate: 88.9%). Awareness of NTDs was moderate, with 56.9% reporting they had heard of NTDs and 46.9% aware that Nigeria is
endemic for several NTDs. Knowledge levels were also moderate; 54.3% correctly identified examples of NTDs, while misconceptions persisted, including misclassification of malaria and tuberculosis. Most respondents (88.1%) recognized rural dwellers as the most at-risk population, and 55.6% correctly identified major transmission routes. Attitudes were positive overall: 67.2% agreed that pharmacists have an important role in NTD control, and 69.4% supported including NTD-related content in the pharmacy curriculum. Willingness to volunteer for awareness
programs was also high (59.8%). Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrated moderate levels of awareness and knowledge
regarding NTDs but expressed strong positive attitudes toward participating in their prevention and control. Strengthening pharmacy curricula, providing targeted training, and increasing opportunities for practical involvement can enhance students’ preparedness to contribute
effectively to national NTD control efforts.
case detection, and prevention efforts. However, gaps in awareness and knowledge may limit their contributions. Objective: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of NTDs among pharmacy students
at the University of Benin and to evaluate their attitudes toward participating in the prevention and control of these diseases. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 pharmacy students intheir 500- and 600-levels. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics-including frequencies, percentages, and means-were used to summarize
socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes. Results were presented in tables. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection. Results: A total of 311 respondents participated (response rate: 88.9%). Awareness of NTDs was moderate, with 56.9% reporting they had heard of NTDs and 46.9% aware that Nigeria is
endemic for several NTDs. Knowledge levels were also moderate; 54.3% correctly identified examples of NTDs, while misconceptions persisted, including misclassification of malaria and tuberculosis. Most respondents (88.1%) recognized rural dwellers as the most at-risk population, and 55.6% correctly identified major transmission routes. Attitudes were positive overall: 67.2% agreed that pharmacists have an important role in NTD control, and 69.4% supported including NTD-related content in the pharmacy curriculum. Willingness to volunteer for awareness
programs was also high (59.8%). Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrated moderate levels of awareness and knowledge
regarding NTDs but expressed strong positive attitudes toward participating in their prevention and control. Strengthening pharmacy curricula, providing targeted training, and increasing opportunities for practical involvement can enhance students’ preparedness to contribute
effectively to national NTD control efforts.
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