Response Preparedness to Viral Hemorrhagic Fever in Nigeria: Risk Perception, Attitude towards Lassa Fever

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards Lassa fever of tertiary health workers.Setting: Two Federal Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria.Participants: Doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, health educator, environmental health officers, mortuary attendants, cleaners, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and health technicians.Primary and secondary outcome measures: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a standardized, selfadministered questionnaire, which enquired about the risk perception, knowledge, attitude, and health-seeking behavior towards Lassa fever.Results: Risk perception among participants was fairly good, while compliance with universal precautions amongst these highly exposed populations should be improved.Conclusions: Training on Lassa fever should be paired with appropriate and corresponding training on personal protective equipment.Trial Registration: Not applicable.