Environmental Factors Influencing Public Health Awareness And Infection Prevention Practices Related To Lassa Fever In Kwara State
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Date
2025-03-16
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IOSR-JESTFT
Abstract
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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Ibrahim, L. M., Sawyer, H. O., Opasola, O.A And Adiama, B.Y (2025): Environmental Factors Influencing Public Health Awareness And Infection Prevention Practices Related To Lassa Fever In Kwara State, IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402, p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 19, Issue 3 Ser. 1