Purpose: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of prevention of Lassa fever, amongst students resident in the campuses of University of Benin.
Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in the two campuses (Ugbowo and Ekenhuan) of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Three hundred students were selected by stratified random sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude and preventive practices against LF amongst students. Data obtained from consenting respondents were analyzed using SPSS v22.
Results: The knowledge of the majority 276 (91.7%) of the study population about Lassa fever disease was poor. Good preventive practices were reported by 28 (73.3%) of respondents and fair practices was reported by 10 (24.3%) of respondents with good knowledge. It was found that preventive practices were significantly associated with level of study of students (p=0.033).
Conclusion: Continued dissemination of accurate information on Lassa fever disease is indicated at all levels of study in the University system to improve preventive practices and reduce risk of Lassa fever disease amongst student population.
