Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC202516 (Poster 139) | Published: 06 Aug 2025
Patrick Ashinze1,&, Yusuf Gbolahan1, Tawakalt Adenekan1, Olushina Gabriel Adeyemi1
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
&Corresponding author: Patrick Ashinze, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, Email: patrickashinze@yahoo.com
Received: 02 May 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 02 Aug 2025
Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Keywords: Viral hemorrhagic fevers, knowledge, preventive practices, suburban community, North-Central Nigeria, public health
©Patrick Ashinze 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: Patrick Ashinze et al., Knowledge and preventive practices against Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers amongst adult residents in a North-Central suburban Nigeria community. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00283. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO5-00283
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are severe illnesses caused by RNA viruses, associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in areas like Nigeria. Communities in suburban North-Central Nigeria face increased risks due to limited awareness and preventive practices regarding VHFs. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices concerning VHFs among adults in Agbabiaka, a suburban North-Central community located in Kwara state, Nigeria.
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 adults selected through multistage sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic profiles, awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0, maintaining ethical standards, including confidentiality and informed consent.
Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to over 45 years, with 36% aged 26–35. Females made up 58.7% of respondents. Sixty-two percent reported no prior awareness of VHFs, while 73% of those aware identified social media as their main information source. Average knowledge scores were 53.7%, with higher education significantly associated with better knowledge (p < 0.05). Preventive practices were moderate: 63% recognized the need to avoid rodent consumption, but 57% did not believe regular handwashing was effective against transmission.
Knowledge and preventive practices related to VHFs in this community are lacking. Interventions, such as public health campaigns and community engagement, are necessary to reduce VHF risks. Enhancing primary healthcare systems to incorporate preventive education is recommended for lasting impact.
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