Perception of senior resident doctors in Nigeria about lassa fever

Abstract

Adeleye Abiodun Adeomi1, Oluwatosin Adediran Adeoye2, Ayodeji Kayode Adefemi3

ABSTRACT Aims and Objectives: The emergence of the Lassa fever (LF) epidemic in many states in Nigeria necessitates that health care providers should have comprehensive knowledge about LF. This study therefore aimed to find out the perception of senior resident doctors in Nigeria about LF. Subjects and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among Senior Registrars attending a mandatory health resources management course in Lagos, Nigeria. Data on knowledge and attitude were collected from 106 respondents using a self-administered, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and summarized by way of overall scores. Frequencies were compared between groups using chi-square test and p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: All the Respondents were aware of LF, but only 56 (52.8%) had good comprehensive knowledge about it and only 72 (67.9%) had a positive attitude towards it. Personal readings on LF (p < 0.001) and attitude towards LF (p = 0.039) were significantly associated with comprehensive knowledge about LF. Conclusion: The high level of awareness of LF among respondents was not matched by appropriate knowledge and attitude. Doctors, and indeed all health care workers, in Nigeria should be encouraged to update their knowledge on LF.