KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICE AGAINST LASSA FEVER AMONG UNDERGRADUATE OF ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY OWO, ONDO STATE.

Authors

  • S. K. Olubiyi Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin.
  • A. Nyamngee Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, College of Health Sciences,University of Ilorin, Ilorin
  • U. IkehIfunanya Department of Nursing Science, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Achievers University, Owo.
  • V.M Olubiyi Department of Nursing Science, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Achievers University, Owo.
  • A.R Ayeni Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Kogi State University, Ayigba, Kogi State.
  • A. Samuel Medical Surgical Unit, College of Nursing, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Keywords:

knowledge, attitude, practice, Lassa fever and undergraduate.

Abstract

Lassa fever is a dangerous disease that affects human. It is caused by Lassa fever virus which is
found mostly in multi-mamate rats (rat that have many breasts. Lassa fever is an animal-borne or
zoonotic acute viral illness and member of Arenaviridae.
This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices against Lassa fever among
students of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The research design was descriptive
survey, using a structured questionnaire which was administered to 330 respondents.
Findings showed that 315 (99.5%) of respondents reported high level of knowledge, 281 (85.1%)
respondents had positive attitude towards preventing Lassa fever. Majority 277 (83.9%) of
respondents employed a good practice method against Lassa fever. Based on the findings, policy
makers at all level should provide administrative support for providing the necessary equipment and
logistics for care. The general public should continually be sensitized on the need on precautionary
measures to take against Lassa fever, health workers should engage in sustained and improved
health information for the general public on the causes, course, symptoms and prevention of Lassa
fever.

Published

2020-03-12

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Articles