Clinical students’ knowledge and perception of Lassa fever at the University of Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

Lassa fever is an acute virulent viral hemorrhagic illness with high morbidity and mortality rates. It is a disease of global concern and adequate knowledge relating to this disease is vital in the hospitals, rural or urban setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of Lassa fever among of the University Of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. This was a cross sectional descriptive study. Self-administered questionnaire were used. Data obtained were analyzed with SPSS version 21, descriptive statistics were done and frequencies and proportions were used to summarize variables of interest. Ethical considerations were observed. Of the 260 respondents , 42.7% were females. Mean age was 23.5 ± 1.2years. Most of the respondents, 98.8% had a good knowledge of what Lassa fever is, it’s symptoms, causes, risk factors, control and prevention of Lassa fever epidemic, but a few of them; 24.6% knew the drug used for treatment of Lassa fever. Also, 98.5% of the respondents demonstrated a positive perception towards reporting any suspected case of Lassa fever on Campus or in the hospit al setting where their Clinical clerkship is done. These students reported that the social media was the main source of information about the disease (78.1%) followed by their lecturers and study materials (38.5%). Clinical students of UNIBEN demonstrated a good knowledge and positive perception of Lassa fever. Awareness campaigns and public health education are important means of communicating health information to the clinical students, healthcare providers and the general public.

Keywords: Lassa fever; Clinical students; Ribavirin; Knowledge; Perception