Effectiveness of Behaviour Change Communication in Reducing Risk Factors for Lassa Fever Infection in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Lassa fever is a viral illness with several annual outbreaks in Nigeria, including Ebonyi State. Behaviour Change Communication has been shown to reduce the burden of communicable diseases. It is believed that its application will reduce the burden of Lassa fever in Ebonyi State. The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of Behaviour Change Communication in reducing the risk factors for Lassa fever infection in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Methods: The study design was quasi experimental and a multistage sampling technique was used. Three local government areas from the Southern Senatorial zone and two from the Northern Senatorial zone were studied as control and intervention arms respectively. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Fisher’s exact, Z-test and McNemar Chi square test statistics were used and significance level set at P<0.05

Results: A total of 170 respondents were recruited in each arm. The Socio-demographic characteristics in both arms were comparable. There was a statistically significant difference in the composite scores of Lassa fever risk factors between the households in the two arms post intervention (P=0.012). The reduction in the Lassa fever risk factors among individual participants post intervention was also statistically significant (P=0.013). Mud house was more associated with presence of rat at home than cement house (P=0.019).  

Conclusion: Behaviour Change Communication was effective in reducing Lassa fever risk factors in Ebonyi State.  It is therefore recommended for use in Lassa fever control programmes.