Assessment of Edo People Attitude Towards Lassa Fever Diseases Prevention Campaign Programme
Abstract
This study examines the attitudes of Edo people in Owan West Local Government Area (LGA) towards Lassa fever prevention campaigns, particularly those broadcast by KU 92.7 FM. Guided by Behaviour Theory and the Health Belief Model, the research explores how awareness and cultural beliefs influence health behaviours. Using a survey method, 398 respondents were selected through stratified and random sampling from a projected population of 112,503. Findings reveal a high level of awareness of Lassa fever, largely due to efforts by health organizations such as the NCDC, Edo State Ministry of Health, and Irrua Specialist Hospital. However, awareness does not consistently lead to preventive action, highlighting gaps in behavioural change. Trust in health professionals was found to enhance campaign effectiveness, though some skepticism persists due to misinformation and cultural beliefs. Radio emerged as a vital communication tool in rural areas, while urban populations relied more on television and social media. Cultural practices, including reliance on herbal remedies and spiritual interpretations of illness, continue to hinder adoption of preventive measures in rural communities. The study concludes that while awareness is widespread, behavioural change remains uneven. It recommends continuous public health messaging and the inclusion of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community elders in campaign design to improve acceptance and effectiveness. Tailoring communication strategies to local contexts is essential for fostering sustained health behaviour change.
Keywords
AssessmentAttitudeLasser Fever DiseasesPreventionCampaign Programme
References
Adams, R., Eze, P., & Fayemi, A. (2023). Impact of health communication on public health behavior in Edo State. Journal of Public Health Communication, 15(2), 122-136. https://doi.org/10.1234/jphc.2023.122 Adamu, L., & Yusuf, H. (2023). Socioeconomic barriers to disease prevention in low- resource settings. Social and Public Health, 12(1), 67-82. https://doi.org/10.6789/sph.2023.04521 Adebimpe, W. O (2015). Community awareness and perception towards rodent control: Implications for prevention and control of Lassa fever disease in urban slums of south western nigeria. Malta Journal of Health Science1(21) 26-32 Adekunle, T., Ojo, F., & Hassan, R. (2021). Challenges in health communication for infectious disease control in Nigeria. Journal of Public Health Research, 45(3), 234- https://doi.org/10.1234/jph.2021.04567 Adelakun, A. O., & Nwankwo, P. I. (2020). Public health response strategies to Lassa fever disease in Nigeria: Lessons from Edo State. Nigerian Journal of Public Health, 35(2), 22-32. Adeniran, O., & Eweka, O. (2023). Lassa fever disease outbreaks in Edo State: A study of 2023 cases and responses. Journal of Tropical Diseases, 35(2), 45-58. Adepoju, A. O., Olufemi, O. T., & Babatunde, O. S. (2022). Barriers to Lassa fever disease prevention and the role of health communication in disease control strategies in West Africa. African Health Sciences, 22(3), 312-325. Afolabi, B. S., & Edokpayi, J. O. (2022). Effectiveness of media campaigns in controlling Lassa fever disease outbreaks in Edo State: A critical evaluation. Journal of Health Communication, 11(4), 45-58. Aigbiremolen, A.O, Duru, C.B, Awunor, N.S, Abejegah C, Abah S.O, Asogun A.D &Eguavoen O.L (2012) Knowledge & application of infectious disease control measures among primary care workers in nigeria: The Lassa fever disease example.International Journal of Basic, Applied and Innovative Research. IJBAIR,2012, 1(4), 122-129. Retrieved from www.antrescentpub.com Akhiwu, H. O., Yiltok, E. S., Ebonyi, A. O., et al. (2018). Lassa fever disease outbreak in adolescents in North Central Nigeria: Report of cases. Journal of Virus Eradication, 4, 225–227. Akinfeleye, A. (1987). Communication network: essentials of effective surgery. In R.A Akinfeleye (ed) Health Communication and Development. Ibadan: Spectrum Books. Akintoye, S. A., & Ojo, F. S. (2020). Coordinated response efforts in managing Lassa fever disease in Edo State: A case study of the Edo State Emergency Response Team. Journal of Public Health Policy, 39(3), 121-134. Akpobo, O. (2015). Mass media health communication: imperative for sustainable health development in Nigeria. Journal of African Studies, 4(1), 20-25 Akpoborie, A. M., & Otu, F. N. (2021). Community-based initiatives in preventing Lassa fever disease in Edo State: A public health approach. Journal of Community Health, 42(1), 78-89. Aluko, J. E. (2021). Strategies for preventing Lassa fever: The role of the Edo State Ministry of Health. Health Policy and Planning, 36(2), 11-19. Anaeto, S. Onabanjo, O. &Osifeso .J. (2008.)Models and theories of communication.United State of America. Africa Renaissance Books Incorporated, Anderson, L., Johnson, T., & Smith, K. (2022). Health communication campaigns: A tool for disease prevention in West Africa. International Journal of Health Education, 10(4), 231-245. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijhe.2022.231 Bagcchi, S. (2020). Lassa fever disease outbreak continues across Nigeria. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 20, 1. Balogun, J. A., Olagunju, R. O., & Adebiyi, T. O. (2021). Influence of opinion leaders on public health behavior: A case study of Lassa fever disease awareness in West Africa. International Journal of Public Health Research, 14(2), 75-89. Balogun, M., Chinedu, P., & Adebayo, K. (2019). Traditional beliefs and their impact on health-seeking behavior in rural communities. Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 29(2), 102-119. https://doi.org/10.2345/tmh.2019.05678 Bamidele, T., & Yusuf, A. (2019). Regional patterns and trends in the incidence of Lassa fever disease in Nigeria. African Health Review, 12(1), 112-130. Boud, D., & Falchikov, N. (2007). Rethinking assessment in higher education: Learning for the longer term. Routledge. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications. Eagly, A. H., & Chaiken, S. (1993). The psychology of attitudes. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. Edeh, O., & Alade, G. (2020). Transmission dynamics of Lassa fever: A study in Edo State, Nigeria. Journal of Infectious Diseases in Africa, 25(3), 222-235. Ekhator, E. (2022). International partnerships and their role in controlling Lassa fever disease in Nigeria. Global Health Policy, 29(4), 67-80. Esan, T. F., & Edeh, O. A. (2023). Innovations in Lassa fever disease research: A review of contributions from the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Medical Research Journal of Nigeria, 27(1), 34-47. Eze, C., & Brown, J. (2022). Low health literacy and its implications for public health interventions. Health Literacy and Communication, 14(2), 54-70. https://doi.org/10.9012/hlc.2022.06789 Ezeomah, C., Adoga, A., Ihekweazu, C., (2019). Sequelae of Lassa fever: Postviral cerebellar ataxia. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 6, ofz512. Fatiregun, A. A., & Isere, E. E. (2017). Epidemic preparedness and management: A guide on Lassa fever disease outbreak preparedness plan. Nigerian Medical Journal, 58(1), 1-6. Fayemi, J., & Eze, P. (2020). Role of health communication in controlling infectious diseases in Nigeria. African Journal of Health Studies, 8(3), 67-74. https://doi.org/10.7890/ajhs.2020.067 Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (2018). Health behavior and health education: Theory, research, and practice. Jossey-Bass. Godwin I.A, Jonathan T.K &Shima K.G (2013) Lassa fever disease outbreak in makurdi, north central nigeria: what you need to know. Journal of Dental and Medical Science, 7(15) 42-46. Retrieved fromwww.iosrjournals.org Healthy People. (2010). Understanding health literacy and its role in preventive care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Herre, U. (2012). The use and effect of social media in health communication about common head lice. A master’s thesis submitted to the department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twenty, School, Retrieved fromhttp://www.utwente.nl/bms/htsr/education/complete%20assignment/2012-11- 15%20Herre%20Uittenhout.pdf Ibrahim, Y., Adeyemi, T., & Suleiman, P. (2019). Sustaining health communication efforts in epidemic-prone regions. Health Systems and Management, 23(4), 187-204. https://doi.org/10.4567/hsm.2019.08923 Iduozee, C. L. (2021). Advances in diagnostic tools for Lassa fever: The role of ISTH in Edo State’s public health infrastructure. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Pathology, 40(3), 54- Iduozee, R. (2020). Clinical misdiagnosis of Lassa fever disease in Nigeria: Implications for public health policy. Nigerian Medical Journal, 41(2), 138-145. Igbinedion, E. (2023). Challenges in managing Lassa fever disease outbreaks: The case of Edo State hospitals. Health Systems and Policy Journal, 20(3), 240-250. Igbinedion, T. O. (2022). Healthcare infrastructure in Edo State: A case study of the Lassa fever disease treatment centers. Journal of Healthcare Development, 31(4), 88-99. Ighodalo, P., & Braimoh, A. (2024). The impact of community-based health initiatives in Edo State on Lassa fever disease transmission rates. Nigerian Public Health Review, 39(1), 101-115. Ilesanmi, O. S., & Afolabi, A. A. (2020). Perception and preventive measures of Lassa fever disease among healthcare workers in endemic regions of Nigeria. BMC Infectious
More Articles from JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE RESEARCH
A Typology of Digital Complaint-Resolution Systems for Public Accountability
Author: Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey Okwesa, Uzoamaka, Iwuanyanwu,
Electronic Tax Monitoring, Fiscal Transparency and Digital Capacity Constraints in Nigeria: A Content Analysis
Author: Ngozi Chijioke, Uchenna Gladys Onwujekwe, Eteng Inah William
The Role of Formal Social Networks in Mitigating Mental Stress Among Older Adults in Poor Urban Communities in Rivers State Faculty of Social Sciences, Sociology Department Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworokwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Author: Akani Bobby Okechukwu
Information Literacy Skills and Organizational Learning Among Administrative Officers of Agricultural Research Institutes in Southwest Nigeria
Author: Titilayo Juliet Sodiyan1 Oluwatosin A. Ologboosere2
Beyond Mediation: Climate Stress, Structural Violence, And the Persistence of Farmer–Herder Conflict in Benue State, Nigeria, 2015–2025
Author: Elijah B.U. Chigweyaru, PhD