Health Workers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Infection Prevention and Control During Recurrent Lassa Fever Outbreaks in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Kaduna State in northern Nigeria has experienced recurrent Lassa fever outbreaks, with rising morbidity and mortality over the past five years. Contributing factors include open drying of grains, storage in non-rat-proof containers, poor sanitation, rodent consumption, low health worker suspicion, inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, and low public risk perception. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used to assess healthcare workers’ awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Lassa fever IPC measures, employing questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Of 398 healthcare workers sampled, 385 (99.2%) were included in the analysis. Findings revealed above-average scores in awareness (71%), knowledge (81%), attitudes (85%), practices (79%), and understanding of local and global implications (89%). Healthcare workers demonstrated good understanding of the interplay between disease, host, environment, climate, and biodiversity in Lassa fever transmission and response. Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in Kaduna, with annual high morbidity and mortality. Effective control requires implementing recommendations including provision of PPE, water and sanitation facilities, rodent control, and well-trained, motivated healthcare workers equipped with knowledge, skills, and resources to prevent and manage outbreaks.