BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION AS PANACEA FOR PREVENTION OF LASSA FEVER IN SELECT AREA COUNCILS OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT), ABUJA

Abstract

Abstract This study evaluates the efficacy of BCC as a communication strategy for creating the basic knowledge base for the prevention of Lassa fever in Bwari and AMAC area councils of the FCT. The study employs the survey research design with focus group discussions and in-depth interviews as instruments for data collection. Findings show that Lassa fever is endemic in the two area councils due to dearth of basic information on the disease. Findings also indicate that unhygienic processing and storage of foodstuffs as well as inadequate and improper protection in health care settings provide a fertile ground for human-to-human transmission of the virus. Findings further indicate that BCC is a viable communication strategy for changing behaviours that enhance the spread of the disease. The study concludes that prevention of Lassa fever relies on BCC in promoting good community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering homes. The study recommends aggressive BCC through opinion leaders to encourage storage of grains and other foodstuffs in rodent proof containers, disposal of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and application of standard infection prevention and control precautions by health care givers as panacea for the prevention of the disease in the study area.