Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Awareness Regarding Lassa fever among Healthcare Professionals in the Irewole Local Government Areas of Osun State

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of healthcare professionals regarding Lassa fever in the Irewole Local Government Areas of Osun State. Healthcare facilities serve as crucial points of contact for individuals seeking medical assistance, making it imperative to assess the preparedness of healthcare professionals in addressing Lassa fever outbreaks.

A preliminary analysis reveals a substantial knowledge gap among healthcare professionals, with only 27.3% demonstrating awareness of recent Lassa fever outbreaks. This emphasizes the necessity for targeted educational interventions to enhance their understanding of the disease. Additionally, a lack of awareness is observed among respondents regarding the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever, indicating potential challenges in timely recognition and diagnosis.

Further examination indicates that only 37.4% of healthcare professionals recognize the importance of laboratory examination for confirming Lassa fever cases. Reinforcing the significance of accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective disease management and prevention of its spread.

While many healthcare professionals acknowledge the necessity of using gloves when handling suspected Lassa fever cases, a notable number are unaware of the need for additional protective measures. Moreover, a considerable portion lacks awareness that Lassa fever may not exhibit readily observable symptoms, posing potential risks to healthcare workers, their families, and the wider community. This study highlights critical gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of healthcare professionals in Irewole Local Government regarding Lassa fever. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted training programs and awareness campaigns to address these knowledge gaps. Enhancing the preparedness and knowledge of healthcare professionals is essential not only for their safety but also for preventing the secondary transmission of Lassa fever within communities. Empowering frontline healthcare professionals with accurate information remains crucial in the ongoing battle against emerging infectious diseases. The recommendations arising from this study aim to contribute to the development of robust interventions that enhance the overall resilience of healthcare systems in responding to Lassa fever outbreaks.