EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE RISK PERCEPTION AND COMPLIANCE WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL PRACTICES AMONG MORTUARY WORKERS IN SOME SELECTED SOUTH WESTERN STATES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Ebola is a viral disease associated with high mortality. Since the disease was first reported in 1976, it has affected parts of Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa. The most recent outbreak in West Africa is the largest on record and has rapidly spread to other countries including Nigeria. Risk perception is an essential characteristic determining adoption of preventive practices. Mortuary workers and embalmers represent a high risk group for the transmission of Ebola virus disease. However risk perception adoption that may determine behavioral preventive among this group is not documented in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study used a random sampling technique to select from Ibadan and Lagos metropolis mortuary attendants and embalmers. A pretested interviewer administered questionnaire which included 12 point knowledge scale on EVD, 7 point scale on attitude to EVD cases, 16 point scale on adherence and 14 point scale on perception was used to collect information from respondent. Knowledge score of ≥6, attitude score of ≥4, adherence score of ≥8, were classified as good respectively. Perception score ≥7 was classified as high. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression tests at 0.05 level of significance. Mean age was 45.61± 11.2 years, 86% were Yoruba, 89.7% were males, 64.5% and 35.5% were mortuary attendants and embalmers respectively. Forty-four percent had the highest proportion with secondary level of education. All (100%) the respondents were aware of Ebola Viral Disease (EVD). Respondents' source of information includes media (59.8%), health facility (33.6%), and friends and relatives (4.7%). Majority (75.5%) had good knowledge of EVO. Respondents in Lagos metropolis where more likely to know about EVD than those in Ibadan metropolis. (OR = 4.02, 95% Cl = 1.00-16.18). About (24.3%) opined that washing EVD corpse cannot transmit EVD while minority (3.7%) opined that EVD can be embalmed. Respondents' risk perception on EVD was high (86.9%). Respondents with more than 15 years' work experience were less likely to have a high EYD risk perception. (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.71 ). Level of compliance was high (98.1%). Attitude to EVD survivors was poor (59.8%). Respondents with university education were more likely to have good attitude (OR = 10.76, 95%Cl = l.73-66.72).Also respondents in private health facility were less likely to have good attitude than those working in public health facility. (OR= 0.12, 95%CI = 0.03;-0.52). Although EVD knowledge, risk perception and the level of compliance among mortuary attendants and embalmers was high, respondents still showed high risky behavioral practice towards the disease. Thus, there is need for sustained media campaigns and training of this vulnerable group to bridge gaps in knowledge of Ebola Virus disease. The study reinforces the need for training on standard precautions which is insufficient in itself without supplying PPE material to health facilities for implementation of infectious disease control practices.