Evaluation of the level of knowledge, Attitude and Misconceptions about Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD) among some University undergraduates in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Curtailing a highly virulent infectious disease like Ebola requires good knowledge about the symptoms, transmission and control measures. This study was therefore design to assess the level of knowledge about these parameters among undergraduates of a tertiary institution in Ondo State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was given to each of the 492 consenting students from all the six Faculties of Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko, Nigeria. Data generated were analysed using SPSS package version 21. All respondents (100%) agreed to have heard about Ebola Virus Disease(EVD). Male to female ratio of the respondents was not significant, however, 481 (97.8%) were between age 15 and 30 years. Respondents agreed that EVD can be transmitted through kissing an infected person (87.6%) washing corpse of EVD patient (84.3%) and breast feeding by a symptomatic mother (85.6%). One hundred and forty two (142) respondents believed that EVD can be healed traditionally. Respondents (90.9%) agreed to hand washing as a major control measure. Only 61(12.4%) of respondents know at least one EVD emergency contact number. This study showed that the respondents has good knowledge about EVD. However, the author suggests that hand washing which the respondents agreed to be a good control measure should be resuscitated in all our public places. There should be enlightenment about EVD emergency contact numbers possibly, making it conspicuously displayed in all our public places in Nigeria by the authorities in-charge