Factors associated with late presentation for Lassa fever treatment among symptomatic cases in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: this study assesses the sociodemographic factors associated with late presentation among suspected Lassa fever (LF) cases in Ondo State, Nigeria. Late presentation was determined as presentation to treatment center after sixth day of onset of symptom.

Methods: a cross-sectional study conducted among suspected LF cases who presented at Federal Medical Center, Owo Ondo State, Nigeria. Patient level data from December 2019 to May 2020 was extracted from medical records including socio-demographic variables, test outcomes and treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics was conducted to measure the distribution of the disease and Chi-Square analyses to determine statistical association while multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant determinants.

Results: of the 992 suspected cases extracted, 332 (33.47%) tested positive for LF with mean age 34.60 (SD-20.0). Owo local government area (LGA) (52.0%) recorded the highest number of positive cases compared to other LGAs. A total of 421 (42.5%) suspected LF cases presented at the treatment center later than the sixth day of onset of symptoms. Location, locality, and outcome of test presentation were significantly associated with late presentation, while cases that presented at the treatment center after the sixth day of onset of symptoms had higher odds of mortality (P<0.001).

Conclusion: residence in rural areas and months of suspicion of LF were associated with late presentation to treatment center in Ondo State. Provision of treatment in rural communities and all year awareness about LF will prevent late presentation, community-based disease transmission and improve quality of care and chances of survival of cases.