Knowledge and attitude to ebola virus disease control among non-clinical students in a Nigerian University

Abstract

Viral diseases are possible causes of epidemics and pandemics. Ebola virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever of humans with high morbidity and mortality rate. It is a disease of economic and public health concern, therefore adequate knowledge relating to the prevention and control is vital. The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and attitude to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) control among non -clinical students of the University of Benin, Nigeria.. A descriptive study of undergraduate non- clinical students was carried out at the University of Benin main campus. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data and then analyzed with SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were done and frequencies and proportions were used to summarize variables of interest. Three hundred and fifty (350) students were recruited and 99.4% response rate was achieved of which 197 (56.6%) were females and 273 (78.4%) were between the age of 16-25 years. Amongst the 348 respondents, 345(99.1%) have heard of Ebola virus disease. The respondent’s knowledge of some of the symptoms of Ebola virus disease were as follows; fever 333 (95.7%), headache 325 (93.4%), vomiting 325 (93.4%), diarrhoea 302 (86.8%), intense fatigue/general weakness 300 (86.2%), abdominal pain 274 (78.7%), and bleeding 314 (90.2%). Knowledge relating to universal health precaution was average as 199 (57.2%) knew about universal health precautions. About 282(81.0%) respondents feel the need for more information on Ebola virus disease especially the availability of drug therapy. A total of 318 (91.4%) of the respondents agreed to Ebola virus disease being a serious disease. Thus, non-clinical students demonstrated a good knowledge and attitude to Ebola virus disease control. Awareness campaigns, drug information service and public health education are important means of communicating health information to prevent and control viral epidemics or pandemics.

Keywords: Viral epidemic, Ebola Virus Disease, Students, Knowledge, Attitude