EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TYPHOID FEVER AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING SELECTED PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES IN NSUKKA.

Abstract

Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly in regions with inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, and limited hygiene practices. This study examined the epidemiology of typhoid fever among patients attending selected primary healthcare centres in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected from 330 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a typhoid fever prevalence of 35.8% among respondents. The study showed that a majority of participants relied on unsafe water sources such as wells and streams, and most lived in environments characterized by poor sanitation and improper waste disposal practices. Chi-square analysis indicated a significant association between environmental factors (water source, sanitation, and waste disposal) and the occurrence of typhoid fever (p < 0.05). Seasonal analysis revealed higher cases during the rainy season compared to the dry season. The Widal test remained the most commonly used diagnostic method despite known limitations in accuracy. The study concludes that typhoid fever remains endemic in Nsukka and is strongly influenced by environmental and diagnostic challenges at the primary healthcare level. Strengthening water, sanitation, hygiene practices, improving diagnostic capacity, and enhancing disease surveillance are essential for reducing the burden of the disease.