Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the only preventable cardiovascular disease that still causes significant morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria where it is classified as a neglected disease. The inciting agent causes pharyngitis often not properly treated. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To study the knowledge and preventive practices of RHD amongst primary healthcare workers who are in contact with larger ratio of populace in order to recommend appropriate interventions. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study conducted among health workers in primary health centres in Sokoto metropolis. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guide was used to collect the information. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. RESULTS: Majority (109/182; 59.8%) had RHD inadequate knowledge of causes, risk factors and treatment of pharyngitis which predisposes to RHD. Only 49 (26.9%) of the respondents knew the name of the causative agent. The knowledge gap was related to length of training and attendance at a training (ꭓ2 = 8.38; P=0.015 & ꭓ2 = 7.92; P=0.004). Majority of the respondents with 168 out of 182 (92.3%) had positive attitude. Practice grading was adequate in only less than half of the respondents (88/182; 48.4%). Male gender and negative attitude were predictors of adequacy of preventive practices (aOR= 0.49; 95% C.I =0.267-0.929; P=0.03 & aOR= 3.87; 95% C.I =1.027-14.586; P=0.046). CONCLUSION: The health workers had inadequate knowledge and poor practice on prevention of rheumatic heart disease. It is necessary to upscale information available to them by medical specialists and upgrade their curriculum.