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Browsing Scholarly Publication by Author "Adiama, B.Y"

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    Environmental Factors Influencing Public Health Awareness And Infection Prevention Practices Related To Lassa Fever In Kwara State
    (IOSR-JESTFT, 2025-03-16) Ibrahim, L. M; Sawyer, H. O; Opasola, O.A; Adiama, B.Y
    Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in West Africa, posing significant public health challenges due to its high mortality rate and potential for outbreaks. In Kwara State, Nigeria, understanding the demographic factors influencing public health awareness and behaviors surrounding Lassa fever is crucial for designing effective health interventions. This study aims to assess demographic characteristics and the level of awareness regarding Lassa fever among 1,199 respondents, addressing the gap in knowledge about how these factors correlate with attitudes and practices related to the disease. The sample revealed significant gender disparities, with 735 males (61.3%) and 464 females (38.7%), and notable age distribution, where individuals aged 31-45 years represented the largest segment (641 respondents, 17.9%). Government employees were predominant (497 respondents, 13.9%), and the majority were married (741 individuals, 20.7%). The analysis indicated that Christian respondents were the most prevalent (621 individuals, 17.4%), with a majority identifying as Yoruba (1,075 individuals, 30.0%). In the Primary Health Care context, 180 respondents were primarily female (74.4%), with the majority aged 31-45 years. Community health workers represented the largest professional group (182 individuals, 33.7%), and a significant majority were married (382 individuals, 72.1%). Alarmingly, healthcare workers showed inadequate adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, with only 53.3% of facilities equipped with isolation wards and a severe lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), as evidenced by only 2.8% providing face shields or goggles. Public awareness of Lassa fever was significantly correlated with education level; 33.9% reported awareness of the outbreak, particularly among those with secondary (43 respondents) and tertiary (211 respondents) education. Despite high recognition (91%) of Lassa fever as a severe illness, knowledge about its transmission and prevention remained low, highlighting a critical need for targeted educational interventions. Furthermore, only 9.4% reported engaging in practices that mitigate risk, such as environmental sanitation. The findings underscore the necessity for culturally tailored health programs to improve public health awareness and IPC practices within healthcare facilities in Kwara State.
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    Knowledge, Attitude and Preventing Practices Regarding Lassa Fever in Edo State : Insights from Community and Healthcare Workers
    (Advances in Research, 2025-03-26) Ibrahim, M. L; Sawyer, H.O; Opasola, O.A; Adiama, B.Y
    Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in West Africa, poses significant public health challenges in Nigeria, with Edo State as one of the epicenters. Despite the recurrent outbreaks, limited data exist on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of residents and healthcare personnel in affected areas, creating a critical research gap. This study aimed to assess these dimensions in Edo State to inform targeted interventions. Using cross-sectional study design, mixed sampling technique, data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire from 1,192 residents and 180 Primary Healthcare (PHC) personnel. The questionnaire was programmed and a Survey CTO software was used in the collection of the data and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study highlights substantial gaps in awareness and preventive behaviors. Among residents, 80.1% recognized Lassa fever as a severe illness, yet only 6.9% had participated in awareness campaigns. Preventive measures such as storing food in rodent-proof containers (12.1%) and frequent environmental sanitation (25.4%) were underutilized. Misconceptions about transmission persisted, with only 3% aware of the 1–21 days incubation period and 0.3% acknowledging sexual transmission. Socioeconomic disparities significantly influenced practices, as higher-income households reported better compliance with sanitation measures (p < 0.001). Practices like using traps (14.5%) and participating in sanitation campaigns (6.8%) varied significantly by residence type (p < 0.001). PHC personnel demonstrated strong knowledge of Lassa fever, with a high Relative Importance Index (RII = 0.960) for facts such as its classification as a viral hemorrhagic illness and the role of rats as primary reservoirs. However, only 84% identified alternative reservoirs like bats and mosquitoes. PPE adherence was notably poor, particularly for facemasks and eye protection (RII = 0.217). The study's findings underscore the necessity for targeted education, strengthened training for healthcare personnel, and equitable resource distribution to bridge the identified gaps. Addressing these issues is crucial to reducing the burden of Lassa fever in Edo State and beyond.