Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC20255 (Oral 136) | Published: 15 Aug 2025
Ngozi Felicia Okeke1,&, Laban Onisimus1
1Plan International Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
&Corresponding author: Ngozi Felicia Okeke, Plan International Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria. Email: ngoziorame@yahoo.com
Received: 09 May 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 15 Aug 2025
Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Keywords: Lassa fever, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, cultural beliefs, traditional leaders, health communication
©Ngozi Felicia Okeke 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: Ngozi Felicia Okeke et al., Addressing misinformation, lassa fever vaccine hesitancy, and cultural barriers: developing culturally tailored communication strategies, engaging traditional and religious leaders, and countering health-related misinformation through media using Izza Community of Ebonyi State as a case study. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00136. https://doi.org/10.37432/jieph-confpro5-00136
Lassa fever, an endemic viral infection in Nigeria, poses significant public health challenges, particularly in communities like Izza in Ebonyi State, where misinformation and cultural barriers contribute to widespread vaccine hesitancy. This study highlights the urgent need to address these barriers through culturally relevant communication strategies, emphasizing the role of traditional and religious leaders in promoting health literacy and vaccine acceptance within the community
This research employed a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Data were collected from 500 community members, 20 traditional leaders, and 15 religious leaders using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Lassa fever, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data to identify prevalent cultural beliefs and misinformation narratives.
The study revealed that 72% of respondents lacked accurate knowledge about Lassa fever transmission and prevention. Misinformation was prevalent, with 60% of participants believing myths regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Engagement with traditional and religious leaders proved vital; their involvement led to a 55% increase in community willingness to vaccinate when they endorsed the immunization campaign. Additionally, tailored communication strategies, including localized messaging via community gatherings and social media platforms, significantly improved understanding of the vaccine’s importance.
The findings underscore the critical role of culturally tailored communication and the engagement of trusted local leaders in mitigating vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Recommendations include developing comprehensive training programs for traditional and religious leaders, utilizing community-driven media initiatives, and integrating traditional knowledge in health messaging to enhance trust and vaccine uptake. These strategies can serve as a model for addressing similar public health challenges in other communities facing cultural and informational barriers to vaccination.
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