Perception of Risk for Lassa Fever among Residents of a Rural Community in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The prevention and control of Lassa fever depends on the adoption of appropriate behavioural practices. The expected changes are best explained using the Health Belief Model. The study investigated respondents’ perception of their risk for Lassa fever infection and its associated factors in Akhalowa community of Edo State. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among eligible heads of households using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics on IBM SPSS version 22.0. A p-value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: The participants included 220 respondents with mean age (SD) of 37.9 (13.2) years. There were 127 (57.7%) females and 143 (65.0%) respondents had at least secondary education. One hundred and ninety one (86.8%) of them were aware of Lassa fever, out of which 146 (76.4%) had overall good perception of their risk for the disease and 144 (75.4%) agreed that Lassa fever was a problem in the community. One hundred and seventy seven (92.7%) agreed that complying with preventive measures would protect them against Lassa fever. Respondents’ good knowledge of Lassa fever was the only significant predictor of good perception of risk for Lassa fever [Odds Ratio=3.806; 95 CI = 1.498-9.672, p=0.005]. Conclusion: The study revealed overall good perception of risk for Lassa fever among the respondents. It is therefore recommended that this is sustained through continuous risk communication messages on the prevention and control of Lassa fever to the people by the Edo State and local governments.