# Awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases among the Nigerian population

## TL;DR

This study finds that awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases are low among Nigerians, highlighting the need for public health education.

## Contribution

The study provides baseline data on public awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases in Nigeria.

## Key findings

- Only 19.3% of participants were aware of invasive fungal diseases.
- 66.1% of participants had a poor perception of fungal diseases.
- Higher educational levels correlated with better awareness and perception of IFDs.

## Abstract

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are a public health issue causing morbidity and mortality in millions annually, yet they remain under-recognised.

To determine the awareness and perception of IFDs among Nigerians.

Three states in Nigeria: Lagos, Oyo and Cross River.

This was a cross-sectional study utilising multistage sampling to recruit participants who responded to an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with awareness and perception of IFDs, and a p-value of < 0.05 was taken for statistical significance.

One thousand two hundred and forty one participants were recruited with a mean age of 37.1 ± 16.1 years. The highest percentage had tertiary education as the highest educational attainment 538 (43.4%) and monthly household income within the lowest range of less than 30 000.00 naira ($40.00) 320 (25.8%). Awareness of IFDs was low 240 (19.3%) among the participants. Most participants 820 (66.1%) also had poor perception of fungal diseases. Tertiary education level showed higher IFD awareness (p < 0.001) than lower educational levels. Higher educational level was also associated with better perception, with secondary (p = 0.049), tertiary (p < 0.001) and postgraduate (p < 0.001) participants showing significantly better perception compared to those without formal education.

Awareness and perception of invasive fungal infections among the Nigerian populace were low. There is a need for public health awareness and education on IFDs in Nigeria.

This study provides baseline data and crucially highlights a need for increased public health campaigns to improve awareness of IFDs in Nigeria.