Climate-Change Knowledge as Determinants of Vector-Borne Disease Control in Ilorin East LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study evaluated how climate-change knowledge determine the control of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) among residents of Ilorin East Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, Nigeria. Justification for the research arises from accelerating climatic shifts that alter vector ecology and transmission patterns that shape health behaviour and can either facilitate or impede uptake of modern control measures. In a setting where public-health outcomes are strongly influenced by both environmental change, empirical evidence linking climate-change awareness and cultural beliefs to VBD control is urgently needed to inform context-sensitive interventions. The main objective was to examine climate-change knowledge as determinant of VBD control. Specific objectives included assessing residents’ awareness of VBD control; identifying cultural beliefs that influence prevention and treatment behaviours; investigating the role of climate-change knowledge in VBD control; identifying implementation challenges; and testing the individual and joint relationships among climate-change knowledge and VBD control outcomes. A descriptive mixed-methods design was adopted. The study population comprised adult residents of Ilorin East LGA. A sample of 420 respondents participated in the quantitative strand (N = 420), while purposively selected key informants and focus-group participants provided qualitative depth. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means), bivariate correlation tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression to test hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Qualitative responses were subjected to thematic analysis and triangulated with survey findings to increase interpretive robustness. Ethical approvals and informed consent procedures were observed. Findings indicated moderate-to-high awareness of common VBDs but limited understanding of how climate change modifies vector habitats and transmission dynamics. Cultural beliefs ranging from spiritual attributions of illness to reliance on traditional remedies and gendered decision-making significantly influenced prevention behaviours and undermined consistent use of modern measures (e.g., insecticide-treated nets, environmental sanitation). Quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between climate-change knowledge and reported preventive practices, while cultural beliefs showed both direct and moderating effects on acceptance of modern control methods. Key implementation challenges included limited infrastructure for environmental management, gaps in health communication, and insufficient community engagement. The study concludes that improving VBD control in Ilorin East requires integrated strategies that combine climate-change education with culturally sensitive community engagement and strengthened service delivery. Recommendations include targeted public awareness campaigns linking climate change to VBD risk; infrastructural investments for environmental management; and policy measures promoting community-appropriate, climate-resilient vector-control programs.