Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC2025177 (Oral 124) | Published: 13 Aug 2025
Omolara Arike Oyinlola1,&, Olayinka Airat Badmus2, Nathaneal Bamigboye Afolabi3, Ramatu Ada Ochekliye4
1Independent Researcher, Abuja, Nigeria, 2Afrihealth for Social Development and Impact (ASDI), Abuja, Nigeria, 3Development Information and Health Research Associates (DiHRA), Abuja, Nigeria, 4Shades of Us, Abuja, Nigeria
&Corresponding author: Omolara Arike Oyinlola, Independent Researcher, Abuja, Nigeria. Email: omolaraoyinlola13@gmail.com
Received: 30 Mar 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 13 Aug 2025
Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Keywords: Lassa fever, human-centered design, risk communication, behavioral insights, community engagement, Nigeria
©Omolara Arike Oyinlola 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: Omolara Arike Oyinlola et al. Using human-centered design to identify behavioral barriers and enablers in Lassa fever prevention in Nigeria. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00124. https://doi.org/10.37432/jieph-confpro5-00124
Lassa Fever (LF) remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria, driven by complex socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Despite its endemicity, misconceptions about disease transmission, stigma, and poor adoption of preventive behaviors persist in affected communities. This study applied a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach to uncover deeper insights into community perceptions, information flows, and behavioral patterns related to LF, to inform sustainable, community-based solutions.
The Discovery phase of the HCD process was implemented in three high-burden states—Ondo, Edo, and Benue—covering six wards across three local government areas. Qualitative methods used included 54 interviews and 36 direct observations of research with LF survivors, healthcare workers, food processors, farmers, household influencers, and community and religious leaders. Thematic analysis guided by the Social Ecological Model was employed to explore the multi-level behavioral drivers and barriers.
Findings revealed a disconnect between awareness and action. While participants were familiar with LF, knowledge gaps about transmission and risk reduction persisted. Stigma and fear of diagnosis discouraged timely care-seeking. Unsafe food and waste practices, limited access to clean water, and distrust in government health messages further compounded risks. Community influencers were recognized as trusted information sources, yet lacked the resources and training to effectively communicate accurate health messages.
The study highlights the need to co-create targeted risk communication and behavior change strategies that go beyond awareness, focusing on building trust, correcting misinformation, and addressing structural and social barriers. By engaging communities through trusted channels and leveraging local insights, future interventions can support the adoption of durable, preventive behaviors against LF.
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