ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS FOR DISEASE OUTBREAKS (A CASE STUDY OF EGBEJILA COMMUNITY, ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE)

ABSTRACT Disease outbreaks pose significant threats to public health, especially in communities with limited preparedness and response capacities. This study assessed the level of community preparedness for disease outbreaks in Egbejila Community, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using structured questionnaires administered to 140 randomly selected residents. The study examined awareness of disease outbreaks, existing community structures, and the level of participation in disease prevention and response efforts. Findings revealed that while the majority of respondents (92.9%) were aware of disease outbreaks, only a small percentage (28.6%) had participated in any community health preparedness activity. Similarly, only 21.4% of respondents were aware of any emergency response plans in place. Statistical analysis using Chi-square tests showed significant relationships between awareness and preparedness, and between access to health facilities and participation in outbreak response (p < 0.05). The study concludes that although general awareness is high, Egbejila Community lacks the structural and institutional readiness to effectively manage disease outbreaks. It recommends enhanced community engagement, health education campaigns, training of local health volunteers, and the establishment of functional emergency response systems to improve overall preparedness