Factors Associated with Lassa Fever Preventive Practices among Adults in Ondo State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study in Akure South and Akoko South West LGAs

Abstract

Aim(s): This study aimed to identify factors associated with Lassa fever preventive practices among adults in Akure South and Akoko South West Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Akure South and Akoko South West LGAs, Ondo State, Nigeria, between January and February 2026. Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit adults aged 18–65 years. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, preventive practices and perceived contextual factors related to Lassa fever prevention was collected using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Practice scores were categorised using Bloom’s cut-offs (80–100% good, 60–79% moderate, <60% poor) and subsequently dichotomised as ‘good’ and ‘moderate/poor’ for bivariate and multivariable analyses. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression, with statistical significance set at P = .05. Results: Of 427 targeted adults, 322 completed the questionnaire (75.4% response rate). While most respondents always covered food containers (91.6%), 35.1% always sun-dried food outdoors. The mean practice score was 26.81 ± 2.69 of 30 (89.4%), and 88.2% demonstrated good practice, with no statistically significant difference in good preventive practice between the two LGAs (x2= .10, ρ = .95). Marital status was significantly associated with practice (P ≤ .001) in bivariate analysis. In regression analysis, tertiary-educated respondents had higher odds of good practice than those with no formal education (AOR = 3.70, 95% CI: 1.153-11.93; P = .028). Perceived contextual factors related to Lassa fever prevention included a lack of local-language information (36.7%) and inconsistent water supply (42.2%). Conclusion: Preventive practice was generally good, but outdoor sun-drying of food remained a notable gap. Interventions should prioritise less-educated adults and address structural barriers, including inconsistent water supply and limited local-language risk communication, to close the residual practice gap.