Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices of Lassa Fever infection among Healthcare Workers in Primary Health Centers in Selected Local Government Areas, Oyo State

Abstract

Lassa fever remains a significant viral Haemorrhagic illness in West Africa with Nigeria bearing the highest burden of morbidity and mortality. Healthcare workers [HCWs] are at particular risk of exposure due to frequent contact with patients ‘bodily fluids, yet evidence indicates persistent gaps in knowledge, attitude and infection prevention and control [IPC] practices. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices of healthcare workers towards Lassa fever in selected local government areas of Oyo State, aiming to establish the relationship between these factors and professional characteristics. Despite numerous outbreaks of Lassa fever in Nigeria, evidence suggests gaps in health workers’ compliance with prevention protocols. This study applied the theory of planned behavior to explain how knowledge and attitudes translate into practices. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, involving 212 healthcare workers selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured, validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics including Chi-square tests at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a significant association between knowledge and attitude towards Lassa fever (χ²(2) = 9.21, p = 0.010), attitude and preventive practices (χ²(2) = 7.45, p = 0.024), knowledge and preventive practices (χ²(4) = 21.21, p = 0.000), and professional characteristics such as qualification and preventive practices (χ²(6) = 17.95, p = 0.006). However, years of experience did not show a significant relationship with preventive practices (χ²(4) = 6.98, p = 0.137). It was concluded in the study that healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitude significantly influence their preventive practices against Lassa Lead City University Postgraduate Multidisciplinary Serial, (Series 4) fever. Recommendations include continuous training, adequate provision of protective resources, and institutional support to strengthen compliance with prevention and control strategies.