This study assessed the knowledge and perception of residents of Odo-Ado community regarding quackery in healthcare services using a descriptive research design. A total of 420 community residents were recruited through a convenience sampling technique, and data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics presented in tables and charts, while hypotheses were tested using the chi-square statistic with SPSS version 27. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents, 258 (61.4%), demonstrated good knowledge of quackery in healthcare services, while 322 (76.7%) exhibited good perception of quackery. Despite this, a substantial proportion, 280 (66.7%), showed a poor attitude toward quackery in healthcare services. Several factors were identified as contributors to the prevalence of quackery, including lack of access to affordable healthcare services (390; 93.0%), insufficient government regulation of the healthcare sector (407; 96.9%), lack of education and awareness about healthcare options (373; 89.0%), the spread of misinformation through social media (350; 84.0%), economic disparities (350; 84.0%), promises of quick-fix solutions by quacks (368; 88.0%), and cultural beliefs and traditions (266; 63.0%). Hypothesis testing indicated no significant relationship between respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and their perceptions of quackery in healthcare services (P = 0.101, χ² = 14.663), whereas a significant relationship existed between knowledge and perception of quackery (P = 0.000, χ² = 30.883). In conclusion, the study demonstrated that although respondents generally possessed good knowledge and perception of healthcare quackery, negative attitudes persisted, underscoring the need for government intervention through improved regulation and the provision of affordable healthcare services.

Keywords: Quackery, Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, Healthcare,

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