Analysis of Residents’ Preparedness Protocols during Ebola Pandemic in Urban Environment

Emmanuel O. Amoo, Gbolahan A. Oni, Aize Obayan, Amos A. Alao, Olujide A. Adekeye, Gbemisola W. Samuel, Samuel A. Oyegbile and Evaristus Adesina
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Emmanuel O. Amoo: Demography and Social Statistics, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
Gbolahan A. Oni: Demography and Social Statistics, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
Aize Obayan: African Leadership Development Centre, Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
Amos A. Alao: Department of Psychology, College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
Olujide A. Adekeye: Department of Psychology, College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
Gbemisola W. Samuel: Demography and Social Statistics, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
Samuel A. Oyegbile: Health Peak Medical Centre, Agege 100283, Nigeria
Evaristus Adesina: Department of Mass Communication, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-13

Abstract: Background: The study provided empirical analysis of the change in hygiene behavioural practices among community in Ogun and Lagos State with respect to Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Methods: The data were extracted from a 2015 Cross-Sectional Survey on wellness, knowledge, attitude and practices towards the control and prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD). Out of 1093 respondents selected in the main survey through simple random sampling technique within two enumeration areas (EAs), only 933 data cases were analyzable, leaving an attrition rate of 14.6%. The EAs represents the sampling points within the local government areas selected for the interviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were both employed in the data analysis. Results: The results revealed high level of knowledge of EVD but over 70% were not aware of centre for treatment of EVD; 60.2% believed they cannot be susceptible to EVD. There were changes in certain practices that were canvassed and earlier adhered to during the outbreak. The practice of handshaking reduced, eating of hunted animals decreased only marginally by 6.9% and washing with soap increased by 4%. Conclusion: The study provides helpful insights for public health policy on possible mitigating strategies, especially in terms of behavioral risk factors that are prone to Ebola virus infections or other communicable diseases. The study emphasises that regular hand washing with soap and the use of sanitising agents including availability of treatment centres would be helpful in preventing the occurrence or re-occurrence of pandemic. The protocols identified in this study could be relevant to both medical personnel and the community for adoption especially as the unlikelihood of Ebola (or other pandemic) re-emergence have not been established.

Keywords: Ebola virus disease; knowledge; attitude; practices; wellness; men; sexual behaviour; environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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