Author :
Ekaete Alice Tobin, Emmanuel Friday Osagiede, Akhere Darcy Asogun, Ephraim Ogbaini-Emovon, Nosa Akpede, Donatus Adomeh, Ikponwonsa Odia, George Odigie, Ekene Muoebonam, Jaqueline Agbukor, Patience Akhilomen, Rita Esumeh, Anieno Elkanem, Martha Okonofua, Omorogie Omigie, Sylvanus Akhalufo Okogbenin, George Okhale Akpede, Joseph Okoeguale, Ivie Amanda Airefetalor, Vivian Ajekweneh, Petra Efe Edeawe, Juliana Chinelo Nnadi, Ese Tracy Osagiede
Volume :
1
Issue :
1
Abstract :
Background: Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease, endemic in West Africa, and with great potential for nosocomial spread.
Objectives: The study set out to assess the knowledge and serostatus of Lassa fever among health workers in an Esan West LGA of Edo State, South-South Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 consenting Primary health care and secondary health workers using pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and phlebotomy for data collection. ELISA was used to assess for Lassa virus-specific IgM and IgG antibodies.
Results: One hundred and forty-two (94.7%) respondents were aware of Lassa fever, with 50 (33.3%) of the respondents having poor knowledge, 44 (29.3%) fair knowledge, and 56 (37.3%) good knowledge. Knowledge was significantly associated with respondents’ designation (p < 0 xss=removed xss=removed>
Conclusion: Sensitization campaigns among health workers in government establishments are needed to bridge the gap in knowledge.
Keyword :
Government-employed, Healthcare workers, Knowledge, Lassa fever, seroprevalence.