Work

6.5-O2Knowledge, attitude and risk perception of Ebola Virus Disease amongst a predominant Hausa/Fulani Ethnic rural community in North Western Nigeria

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: The 2013-2015 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa was unprecedented in spread and attendant response. Nigeria was one of the countries affected by the outbreak which was localised to the southern part of the country. The highly mobile populace and diverse ethnic groups made the threat of spread across the country real and all states prepared to manage cases. The study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk of EVD in the predominant Hausa/Fulani ethnic rural community in Northern Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural community of mostly the Hausa/Fulani ethnic group in North Western Nigeria. A total of 358 heads of households were interviewed using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire translated into the local language. Results: The median age of respondents was 35.3 years. The majority were in the Hausa/Fulani ethnic group 357 (99.7%), Muslim 344 (96%) and had had informal education. Most 351(98%) were aware of EVD but only 30% had good knowledge about EVD. About 17% had a high risk perception of EVD. Conclusion: There was high level of awareness of EVD, but poor knowledge and low risk perception. We recommend increased health education campaigns on EVD to the community.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky047.224