A Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) analysis of lassa fever media campaigns among residents of South-East Nigeria
population health
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Issue: 1
(05 - 2022)
Background: In as much as studies have been conducted on Lassa fever in Nigeria, the studies had no
media angle and were carried out mainly in the Northern and Western regions of the country. This
study examined how mass media intervention messages on Lassa fever have influenced the level of
knowledge, attitudes and health practices of people living in South-East Nigeria towards
controlling and eradicating this disease.
Methods: The study adopted survey research design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in
selecting 428 respondents while structured questionnaire was used for data collection.Data analyzed
was by descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation technique.
Result: The level of exposure to and l‹nowledge of Lassa fever media campaigns among South-East
residents were high as confirmed by 90% and 5 I . I% respectively of the responses. Media campaigns
against Lassa fever positively influenced the attitudes of 56.3% of the respondents towards
prevention and control of this disease.There is positive significant relationship (0.93 with 0.0 I
level of significant) between exposure level to Lassa fever media campaigns and l‹nowledge level of
the disease among South-East residents.
Conclusion: Mass media campaigns aimed at sensitizing the public on Lassa fever disease was
adjudged effective. There is also need to employ more of interpersonal communication strategies to
enhance effective delivery of this health messages.
Keywords: Lassa fever,Media Campaigns, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices.
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