Knowledge of Tuberculosis Prevention Among Market Traders in Aba, Abia State

Tuberculosis continues to rank among the leading infectious disease burdens in Nigeria, with densely populated commercial environments such as markets presenting elevated transmission risks. This study assessed the level of knowledge of tuberculosis prevention among market traders in Aba, Abia State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, with 300 traders selected through systematic random sampling from Ariaria International Market and Cemetery Market. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using frequency tables and chi-square tests. Results indicated that approximately 54 percent of respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge of tuberculosis transmission routes, while only 21 percent were aware of available free diagnostic and treatment services. Stigma associated with tuberculosis diagnosis was identified as a major barrier to care-seeking among respondents. Exposure to health education through radio and community health workers significantly predicted higher knowledge scores. Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and resistance to health authority visits were identified as contextual risk factors in the market environment. The study recommended periodic community health education campaigns targeting informal market settings, including collaboration with market leadership associations. Health workers should integrate tuberculosis awareness into routine outreach programmes in commercial areas. Keywords: tuberculosis prevention, knowledge, market traders, Aba, health education