Ligali, Lateefat A, Akeredolu, Oluwole. A & Osafehinti, Abosede J.

Dept of Human Kinetics, Sports & Health Education

Faculty of Education, Lagos State University, Ojo.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, and prevention practices of Lassa fever among health professionals in Badagry local Government Area of Lagos. The population of the study consisted of all health professionals in Badagry local Government Area of Lagos. The sample for this study consisted of 100 participants selected from the population. The Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data was collected with the use of self- developed “Lassa Fever Knowledge and Prevention Practices Questionnaire (LFKPQ). The instrument was used to collect information on the variables selected for the study. The questionnaire was a close ended type designed in line with the modified Likert 4- point Scale of Strongly Agree, (SA), Agree-(A), Disagree-(D) and Strongly Disagree, (SD). To test the validity of the instrument, a copy of the questionnaire was given to researcher’s supervisor for critical review, errors were corrected, and it was validated. The reliability of the instrument was conducted using the test-retest method. A total of 10 respondents from Igando Primary Health care who were not part of the sample were used as pilot to test the reliability of the instrument. Data collected was subjected to Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) which yielded 0.87 coefficient which indicates that the instrument was reliable. Findings from the study revealed that health professionals in Badagry Local Government Area had knowledge of Lassa fever, practice the basic hand hygiene of Lassa fever prevention, practice respiratory hygiene of Lassa fever prevention but not use personal protective equipment to prevent Lassa fever regularly.

Key words:  Health professional, Lassa fever, Knowledge, Hand washing, Respiratory hygiene, Personal protective equipment.