ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS OF WATERBORNE TYPHOID RISK AMONG MOBILE SUGARCANE VENDORS IN JOS-BUKURU METROPOLIS

Abstract

Mobile sugarcane vendors in Nigerian cities frequently moisten their produce with water from diverse sources, creating significant public health concerns. This study investigated the awareness of waterborne typhoid risk among 384 mobile vendors in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis using a cross-sectional survey design. The Health Belief Model (HBM) served as the theoretical framework, allowing for an analysis of how psychological constructs; specifically perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers shape the health behaviors of this informal workforce. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Key findings reveal a severe knowledge deficit, with 72.7% of vendors demonstrating a poor understanding of typhoid transmission and symptoms. While many vendors have access to piped water, a significant number rely on hazardous sources such as unprotected wells and roadside drainage channels. The study further identifies that economic and physical barriers (such as the cost and weight of clean water) significantly outweigh the perceived benefits of safe water use. However, vendors showed high responsiveness to cues to action, particularly regarding peer-based outcomes and health worker engagement. To address these challenges, the study recommends structural interventions, such as establishing low-cost or free water access points near major vending locations, to ensure that safe practices are economically and physically feasible for vendors.