College students’ knowledge, attitudes and adherence to public service announcements on Ebola in Nigeria: Suggestions for improving future Ebola prevention education programmes

Abstract

Introduction: Apprehension over a possible recurrence of Ebola remains pervasive among college students in Nigeria. Prevention education continues to be carried out through public service announcements (PSAs) on radio, television and in the social media. However, little is known about college students’ knowledge, attitudes and adherence to PSAs on Ebola virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate college students’ knowledge and attitude about Ebola and factors that predict adherence to Ebola education information mediated through PSAs. Methods: A total of 211 copies of structured questionnaire were administered to a multi-stage sample drawn from a medium-sized private university in Nigeria. Results: The majority of the participants responded correctly to the questions related to Ebola virus transmission. Nearly 86% of students agreed that Ebola can be contracted through the body secretions of a sick person, 83% students identified the basic symptoms of Ebola as fatigue and vomiting, while 82% agreed that regular washing of hands and use of hand sanitisers can prevent transmission of Ebola. Knowledge and attitudes emerged as significant predictors of students’ adherence to PSA advice on Ebola disease ( p < .05). Discussion: Misconceptions about the causes and transmission of Ebola abound in spite of the high awareness about the virus, suggesting that the Ebola PSAs may not have succeeded in dispelling some strongly held beliefs about Ebola virus disease. The findings suggest that a considerable percentage of college students no longer follow the advice contained in Ebola-related PSAs. It may be that the declaration that Nigeria is Ebola free by World Health Organization (WHO) has given rise to a lax attitude towards the disease. Conclusion: In spite of their shortcomings, PSAs remains an important vehicle for conveying Ebola prevention education to college students.

WITHDRAWN: Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Associated Factors toward COVID-19 among Nurses Who Work in South Gondar Zone, Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia 2020, Institution-based cross-sectional Study

“…The battle against COVID-19 is still continuing in Ethiopia. To guarantee the final success, people's adherence to these control measures is essential, which is largely affected by their knowledge, attitudes towards COVID-19 in accordance with KA theory (28,29). To facilitate outbreak management of COVID-19 in Ethiopia, there is an urgent need to understand the public's awareness of COVID-19 at this critical moment.…”

View of Pakistani Residents toward Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) during a Rapid Outbreak: A Rapid Online Survey

“…The commitment of Pakistanis to these control measures is necessary to win the battle against COVID-19, which primarily depends on their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP), as highlighted by the KAP theory [13,14]. Substantial efforts to contain this virus have already been made by the health authorities of Pakistan; however, education and public awareness are part and parcel among these measures as described during the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS) [15].…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Clients towards COVID-19 at Primary Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

“…In spite of all these measures, the disease is still ravaging the country. Thus, there is need for public commitment and responsibility in the ght against the disease by their adhering to all the control measures and guidelines, which according to the KAP theory are principally affected by knowledge, attitudes, and COVID-19 related practices (KAP) of the population [7,8].…”