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.
