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. 2015 Aug 28;10(8):e0135955.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135955. eCollection 2015.

A Multi-Site Knowledge Attitude and Practice Survey of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria

Garba Iliyasu  1 , Dimie Ogoina  2 , Akan A Otu  3 , Farouq M Dayyab  4 , Bassey Ebenso  5 , Daniel Otokpa  3 , Stella Rotifa  6 , Wisdom T Olomo  7 , Abdulrazaq G Habib  1
Affiliations

A Multi-Site Knowledge Attitude and Practice Survey of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria

Garba Iliyasu et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: The 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak was characterised by fear, misconceptions and irrational behaviours. We conducted a knowledge attitude and practice survey of EVD in Nigeria to inform implementation of effective control measures.

Methods: Between July 30th and September 30th 2014, we undertook a cross sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) among adults of the general population and healthcare workers (HCW) in three states of Nigeria, namely Bayelsa, Cross River and Kano states. Demographic information and data on KAP were obtained using a self-administered standardized questionnaire. The percentage KAP scores were categorised as good and poor. Independent predictors of good knowledge of EVD were ascertained using a binary logistic regression model.

Results: Out of 1035 study participants with median age of 32 years, 648 (62.6%) were males, 846 (81.7%) had tertiary education and 441 (42.6%) were HCW. There were 218, 239 and 578 respondents from Bayelsa, Cross River and Kano states respectively. The overall median percentage KAP scores and interquartile ranges (IQR) were 79.46% (15.07%), 95.0% (33.33%) and 49.95% (37.50%) respectively. Out of the 1035 respondents, 470 (45.4%), 544(52.56%) and 252 (24.35%) had good KAP of EVD defined using 80%, 90% and 70% score cut-offs respectively. Independent predictors of good knowledge of EVD were being a HCW (Odds Ratio-OR-2.89, 95% Confidence interval-CI of 1.41-5.90), reporting 'moderate to high fear of EVD' (OR-2.15, 95% CI-(1.47-3.13) and 'willingness to modify habit' (OR-1.68, 95% CI-1.23-2.30).

Conclusion: Our results reveal suboptimal EVD-related knowledge, attitude and practice among adults in Nigeria. To effectively control future outbreaks of EVD in Nigeria, there is a need to implement public sensitization programmes that improve understanding of EVD and address EVD-related myths and misconceptions, especially among the general population.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Map of Nigeria showing states with Ebola reported cases (red) and sites of survey (green).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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