Abstract:

Since its importation into Nigeria through a visitor from Liberia, Ebola Virus Disease was officially documented in Nigeria. Its consequences cut across all human experiences at personal, family, institutions and national levels. The victim suffers the effects of the illness and its stigmatization. One can therefore conclude that health workers generally are at risk of contracting this disease, inferably this may affect their work and personal lives. The aim of the study is to assess the level of risk perception and impact of Ebola on the work and personal lives of health workers at the National Hospital Abuja. The study adopted use of primary and secondary data. The primary data were derived from the field of study through administration of questionnaire. The secondary data consist of facts and figures from articles and journals. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used in the data analysis. The research revealed that 99% of the respondents display general knowledge of Ebola virus disease and its mode of transmission. The results revealed that many of the health workers have a high risk perception on contacting Ebola due to the lack of adequate treatment and rapid spread of virus during an outbreak. The findings of the research also noticed a high impact on respondents’ work life where there is a lack of willing volunteers during outbreaks due to stigmatization. It was recommended that policies should be formulated to create quarantine centers in every state equipped to cater for prompt response during outbreak of communicable diseases.

Keywords: Risk, Impact, Ebola, Nurses, Hospital, Abuja

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