Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Typhoid Fever among Students at Amran University Institute of Continuing Education, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Typhoid fever (TF) is a febrile global health problem caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) with relatively high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, including Yemen. The World Health Organization recommends identifying local prevalence and gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards TF to implement preventive measures. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward typhoid fever among students at the Amran University Institute of Continuing Education. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 students between December 2024 and May 2025. Demographic, transmission route, and behavioral data were collected using questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Results: A total of 121 students were enrolled in this study. Most of the data were collected from students aged 21–40 years (49.6%) residing in urban areas (81.8%) who were single (79.3%), had a parent's university certificate (47.1%), were in their first year of the academic year (35.5%), and drank from trucks (42.1%). According to this finding, "TF can be transmitted by contact with humans" (mean = 2.52) had the highest score for knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the disease's aetiology. The item with the highest score for knowledge of the symptoms was "Fever is a symptom of typhoid" (mean = 2.81). The item with the highest score in terms of disease preventive knowledge was "Insect and fly control" (mean = 2.85). Conclusion: Access to clean water, vaccination, and health education shapes university students' knowledge and practices regarding typhoid fever. Targeted interventions addressing these factors can help reduce the burden of typhoid fever in academic settings.