Exploring the Factors Affecting the Uptake of Standard Practices for Lassa Fever Prevention in Nigeria: A Case Study of Endemic States in West Africa
Abstract:
The cases of Lassa fever (LF) infection are rising and call for a change in attitude and practice towards the prevention of the disease. This work was aimed at assessing the factors affecting the uptake of standard practices for LF prevention in Nigeria. This had two phases: observation and desk review of other related data from study communities. Situation reports (SiTrep) reports were reviewed in these communities’ health facilities from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2012 to 2022 and analyzed. Samples from 300 respondents were assessed, with a male: female ratio of about 1.3:1 and a mean age of 35.01±10.721 years. Our findings showed that there is high sensitization for LF and there is also high media involvement. However, there is often a late presentation of LF cases to healthcare facilities. The HCWs do not give optimum awareness creation to the host communities (52.0%). Our findings showed that PPE use was seen as key in preventing LF among the HCWs; however, the availability of PPE is still not enough. Attitudinal change and adoption of practices that will promote the prevention of LF is therefore advocated. Such practices include the provision and effective use of PPE, early presentation of LF cases, improved LF surveillance, and continuous training of HCWs. These practices will improve the uptake of the control strategies for LF.References:
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