Perception of injections in semi-urban communities in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The hazards associated with injections constitute a serious public health challenge worldwide, especially in the developing countries such as Nigeria. To adequately address this menace, there is a need for a survey to assess the perception of health-care seekers and providers on injections generally to provide a platform upon which targeted intervention can be made. This study aimed at evaluating the semi-urban community perception on injections and awareness of dangers associated with it. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional using validated interviewer administered questionnaires. A total of 102 respondents were recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique from semi-urban area. The questionnaire sought their demographic profiles, awareness of hazards associated with injections use, and perceptions. Results: Out all the respondents, 96.1% had injections in the last 3 months. Only 47.1% seek medical help in government health facilities. Majority considered injections to be more effective than oral drugs [80.4%, odds 4.10 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.53-6.65]. Most of the respondents preferred injections (74.5%, odds 2.92 and 95% CI 1.88-4.55). Chloroquine injection was the most cited by injections the respondents (70.6%). And only, 29.4% (odds 0.42 and 95% CI 0.27-0.64) had adverse events following injections. Awareness of hazards associated with injections was not too good as (27.5%, odds 0.38 and 95% CI 0.25-0.58) admitted that injection carries no risks. Conclusion: Awareness on dangers associated with injections was poor with erroneous perception that injections generally were more effective than oral drugs. Chloroquine is still widely used as an anti-malaria drug in private settings despite its ban. Incidence of injection is high in semi-urban communities.