Assessment of Knowledge of Lassa Fever Prevention among Undergraduate Students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Lassa fever (LF) is an animal-borne or zoonotic, acute viral illness, which is endemic in some parts of West Africa, and was first discovered in Lassa Town in Borno State, Nigeria. The spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria has necessitated the need to assess the level of knowledge of her population concerning its prevention. This study assessed the knowledge of Lassa fever prevention among Undergraduates in University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire to collect data from 400 participants selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was done using frequency, percentages and chi-square test at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that of the respondents has high knowledge of LF prevention (96.2%). Further the study shows that the knowledge on avoiding consumption of rats was highest (94.6%) compared to other items. Undergraduates within the age range of 16-20years had higher knowledge of LF prevention (98.5%) than students aged 21-25years (95.0%) and students aged 26years and above respectively. Male undergraduates had higher knowledge of LF prevention (98.4%) than female undergraduates (94.0%). Undergraduates in other years had higher knowledge of LF prevention (97.8%) than undergraduates in other years (97.8%) and final years (93.8%) respectively. Gender (include the chi-square value and p-value here) was significantly associated with knowledge of Lassa fever prevention among undergraduate students, except for age and year of study. General knowledge of LF prevention was good. However, health education campaigns and awareness programmes should be important means of educating and communicating health information on Lassa fever prevention and control and bridging gaps in its knowledge.