Original Research Awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases among the Nigerian population

Olufunmilola Makanjuola, Ubong A.K. Udoh, Damilola Akinlawon, Folasade Ogunsola, Rita Oladele

Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 1 | a1323 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1323 | © 2025 Olufunmilola Makanjuola, Ubong A. Udoh, Damilola Akinlawon, Folasade Ogunsola, Rita Oladele | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 16 February 2025 | Published: 28 October 2025

About the author(s) Olufunmilola Makanjuola, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Ubong A.K. Udoh, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Damilola Akinlawon, Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Folasade Ogunsola, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Rita Oladele, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are a public health issue causing morbidity and mortality in millions annually, yet they remain under-recognised.
Aim: To determine the awareness and perception of IFDs among Nigerians.
Setting: Three states in Nigeria: Lagos, Oyo and Cross River.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Contribution: This study provides baseline data and crucially highlights a need for increased public health campaigns to improve awareness of IFDs in Nigeria.

Keywords

invasive fungal diseases; invasive fungal infections; awareness; Nigeria; mycoses

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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