Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC2025264 (Oral 117) | Published: 17 Aug 2025
Ekaete Alice Tobin1,2,3,4,&, Ola Egbuta3, Martha Okonofua1,3,5, Vivian Ajekweneh3, Amen Onome Ahabue4, George Akpede6,7, Danny Akhere Asogun1,2,3
1Institute of Viral and Emergent Pathogens Control and Research, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria, 2Department of Community Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, 3Department of Community Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua. Nigeria, 4Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria, Department of Nursing Services, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria, 6Department of Paediatrics, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, 7Department of Paediatrics, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
&Corresponding author: Ekaete Tobin, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria. Email: Ekaete.tobin@gmail.com
Received: 20 May 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 17 Aug 2025
Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Keywords: Data collectors, Lassa Fever, Longitudinal Studies, Qualitative Research
©Ekaete Alice Tobin et al, Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cite this article: Ekaete Alice Tobin et al., A qualitative study of frontline perspectives and experiences of field workers in the CEPI ENABLE 1.0 Lassa Fever epidemiological cohort study in Edo State, Nigeria. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00117. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO5-00117
Field workers play a critical role in the success of longitudinal cohort studies, which require repeated follow-ups and time-intensive data collection. These studies pose unique challenges for field staff, including sustaining participant engagement, navigating ethical complexities, and addressing participants’ needs—all of which can contribute to psychological, emotional, and physical stress. Despite their central role, the experiences of field workers remain underexplored, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study examined the experiences of field workers engaged in the CEPI ENABLE 1.0 Lassa fever cohort study in Edo State, Nigeria
This qualitative phenomenological study involved field workers directly responsible for data collection and supervision within the ENABLE 1.0 cohort. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide developed from a comprehensive literature review and input from study investigators. The guide explored themes related to participant interactions, team dynamics, fieldwork-related stressors, coping mechanisms, and perceived effects on well-being. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Ethical standards were maintained.
A total of 24 field workers participated. They described developing strong rapport with participants—some over extended periods—which facilitated cooperation. Reported challenges included long working hours, irregular visit schedules, and safety risks, such as exposure to community violence and occasional hostility, particularly during the six-monthly sampling visits. Few instances of sexual harassment were reported. Coping mechanisms included teamwork, flexible scheduling, and respectful communication. Participants also noted instances of providing financial or material support beyond formal responsibilities. Despite these challenges, field workers reported enhanced interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and motivation for professional growth. They highlighted the need for safety training, timely salary disbursement, access to counselling, and healthcare coverage.
Menu