Risk Factors for Lassa Fever Infection Among Survivours at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Abstract BackgroundThere exists paucity of information regarding successfully managed Lassa Fever (LF) patients. This study is aimed at determining the perceived risk factors for LF infection among patients who had been managed and on follow up at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State. MethodsA cross sectional study of 101 LF survivors who had been managed and attending follow up clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Owo was done. Data were collected using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Respondents were assessed for symptoms and factors that may have predisposed them to LF, and data analyzed with SPSS version 23. Those who had more than three identifiable risks were categorised as high risk. Descriptive statistics was done, and association between socio-demographic characteristics and high risk were explored using chi square test. ResultsThe median age of respondents was 33 years (range 8-85 years), 61.4% were males, 92.1% have heard of LF prior to being diagnosed, 55.9% heard through the mass media. The perceived cause of Lassa fever infection among respondents included consumption of food contaminated by rats’ feces among 57(56.4%) persons, while 16 (15.8) attributed their infection to contact with LF-infected persons. Among respondents with primary education and below, 5 (29.4%) had high risk of Lassa fever infection compared to 7 (8.3%) with secondary education and above (p=0.014). ConclusionMass media and other sources of information should be well harnessed in the communication of risks and preventive practices for LF. Health education should be intensified both in hospitals and schools to capture both young and old in LF prevention activities.