Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health

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Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2019, Pages 107 - 115

Lassa Fever-associated Stigmatization among Staff and Students of the University of Benin, Nigeria

Authors
Stella Folajole Usifoh1, Amienwanlen Eugene Odigie2, *, Stephena Udinmande Ighedosa3, Edwin Aihanuwa Uwagie-Ero4, Isoken Tito Aighewi5
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
2Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
3Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
4Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
5Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
*Corresponding author. Email: eugene.odigie@uniben.edu
Corresponding Author
Amienwanlen Eugene Odigie
Received 26 February 2019, Accepted 21 April 2019, Available Online 11 June 2019.
DOI
10.2991/jegh.k.190514.001How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Associated stigmatization; Lassa fever; psychosocial; staff; students; University of Benin
Abstract

Lassa Fever (LF) remains a health burden in several endemic areas of Nigeria, and its toll remains unabated over several decades. Although most studies have focused on virological and clinical considerations, few studies have attempted to address the perceived psychosocial component of LF disease in Nigeria. Evaluation of stigmatization and discrimination faced by LF survivors is an important step in improving individual health and protecting public health. This study aimed to assess LF-associated stigmatization associated among staff and students of the University of Benin. Descriptive analyses of 600 consenting respondents (300 staff and 300 students) sampled using pretested questionnaires was conducted, and the Chi-square test was used to test for significant association between perceived LF stigmatization and predefined variables. LF was a potential cause of stigmatization in a higher proportion of student (n = 162, 57.9%) than staff (n = 112, 39.9%). LF-associated stigmatization among students was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.012) and poor knowledge (p = 0.013) of LF transmission and prevention. A greater tendency for stigmatization was observed among females than males. A comprehensive emergency response plan incorporating accurate knowledge dissemination about the disease may be a first step toward tackling perceived LF stigmatization.

Copyright
© 2019 Atlantis Press International B.V.
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

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<Previous Article In Issue
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Journal
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
Volume-Issue
9 - 2
Pages
107 - 115
Publication Date
2019/06/11
ISSN (Online)
2210-6014
ISSN (Print)
2210-6006
DOI
10.2991/jegh.k.190514.001How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2019 Atlantis Press International B.V.
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

Cite this article

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TY  - JOUR
AU  - Stella Folajole Usifoh
AU  - Amienwanlen Eugene Odigie
AU  - Stephena Udinmande Ighedosa
AU  - Edwin Aihanuwa Uwagie-Ero
AU  - Isoken Tito Aighewi
PY  - 2019
DA  - 2019/06/11
TI  - Lassa Fever-associated Stigmatization among Staff and Students of the University of Benin, Nigeria
JO  - Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
SP  - 107
EP  - 115
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
SN  - 2210-6014
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/jegh.k.190514.001
DO  - 10.2991/jegh.k.190514.001
ID  - Usifoh2019
ER  -