Abstract:

Objective: This study sort to assess the factors militating against Lassa fever prevention programs among market traders of Owo LGA Southwest, Nigeria.

Methodology This study employed descriptive cross-sectional design guided by Precede model. A multistage sampling technique was used for the study. A total number of three hundred and sixty-two respondents were involved in the study. A validated semi-structured questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.72 was used to collect data. Frequency table, mean, standard deviation correlation, multiple and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted to give statistical responses to the research question and hypotheses using SPSS version 23.

Results: Majority of the respondents involved in this study were females 240 (66.6%) while males, 122 (33.7%) responded to the questionnaire. The respondent’s level of knowledge about Lassa fever and lassa fever transmission was 6.558±1.87658. The respondent’s level of attitudinal disposition towards Lassa Fever was 10.041±3.40782. Respondents’ Lassa Fever preventive measures was high with a mean of 31.05±14.698. There was a significant relationship between’ level of knowledge (r=0.219; p <0.05), attitude (r=0.0354; p <0.05) and adherence to Lassa fever prevention program in Owo LGA.

Conclusion: Findings from the study show market traders exhibit predisposing factors of religious believe and enabling factors such Lassa fever preventive measures like dispose and burn waste on daily basis, food items stored in a container at the end of each market day, regular handwashing, ensuring food is properly cooked and preserved, and fruits and drink properly washed before eating.

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