KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PREVENTION OF LASSA FEVER IN SHAO, MORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE

ABSTRACT Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic disease, remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding the prevention of Lassa fever among residents aged 18 years and above in Shao, Moro Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State. The study sought to determine the level of knowledge of Lassa fever prevention, evaluate the community’s attitude toward its prevention, and examine the extent of adoption of preventive measures. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 300 randomly selected participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations. The results indicated that the majority of the respondents (68%) had heard of Lassa fever, and 62% correctly identified the primary mode of transmission. However, only 45% of participants knew the recommended preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with rodents and maintaining good sanitation practices. The findings also revealed a positive attitude towards Lassa fever prevention, with 70% of respondents agreeing that prevention is crucial, but the practice of preventive measures was sub-optimal. While 63% reported cleaning their surroundings regularly, fewer (45%) engaged in proper rodent control practices, and only 37% used protective measures such as gloves or face masks when handling potentially contaminated materials. Factors influencing the preventive practices included limited access to health information, economic constraints, and cultural beliefs about disease transmission. Moreover, the study found that knowledge about Lassa fever prevention was significantly associated with the adoption of preventive practices, with educated respondents and those who had received health education more likely to engage in preventive behaviors. The study’s findings underscore the need for improved health education and community-based interventions to enhance both knowledge and preventive practices in Shao, Moro LGA. This research emphasizes the critical role of awareness and attitude in the prevention of Lassa fever. Given the gaps in knowledge and practice, it is recommended that public health authorities in Kwara State intensify efforts to provide targeted education and resources to the community, particularly focusing on practical aspects of prevention. The study also suggests that incorporating community health workers and utilizing local media channels could help address knowledge gaps and encourage consistent adoption of preventive measures. Improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Lassa fever prevention in Shao, Moro LGA, is essential for reducing the incidence of the disease. This study contributes valuable insights into the current KAP of Lassa fever prevention among the residents and offers actionable recommendations to enhance the overall effectiveness of Lassa fever control strategies in Nigeria.