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Lassa Fever Disease: Knowledge of Aetiology and Prevention Practices in Rural Communities in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Oye, Modupe Jokotola, Akinpelu, Adewale Oladayo, Oyedeji, Ayobami Susan

Abstract


Recently, Nigeria has been experiencing significant public health challenges from infectious disease outbreaks including Lassa fever, Ebola, yellow fever, measles, monkey pox and COVID-19 among others. Lassa Fever Disease (LFD) is an acute viral hemorrhagic and a life-threatening condition causing morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the knowledge of etiology and preventive practices of Lassa Fever Disease in rural communities in Ado local government area of Ekiti State in other to reduce the disease burden. A cross-sectional study design was utilized with 384 participants recruited for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were done at p<0.05 level of significance. The results showed that 74.7 percent of respondents also had good preventive measures, and 80.7% of respondents had some knowledge of Lassa fever. Findings also revealed a significant relationship between occupation and knowledge of Lassa fever with the values (P-value = 0.000*; X2 = 59.4) and educational qualification with the values (P-value = 0.000*; X2 = 20.1). There was also a strong correlation between knowledge of Lassa fever and preventive practice of early reporting of suspect with the values of r = 0.572**; p- value = 0.000. Findings also showed a significant relationship between gender and knowledge of Lassa fever with the values (P-value = 0.000*; X2 = 59.61). Mitigating the spread of Lassa fever through health education and preventive practices remains the viable option in reducing the 

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