Diagnostic proficiency and reporting of Lassa fever by physicians in Osun State of Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundLassa fever is highly contagious and commonly results in death. It is therefore necessary to diagnose and report any suspected case of Lassa fever to facilitate preventive strategies. This study assessed the preparedness of physicians in the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever.MethodsThe study design was descriptive cross-sectional. The consenting medical doctors completed a self-administered questionnaire on the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analyses.ResultsOne hundred seventy-five physicians participated in the study. The mean age was 41.5 ± 10.9 years (range, 24–75 years). Most of the physicians were male (78.9%) and had practiced medicine ≥ 20 years (51.5%). Most of the physicians had a good knowledge regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever; however, none of the physicians had ever diagnosed or reported a suspected case. Predictors of good knowledge include male sex, not practicing at a secondary health care level and post graduation year more than 20 years.ConclusionThere is disparity in knowledge and practices of physicians regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever. Thus, it is necessary to improve the knowledge and practices of physicians regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever.

Evaluation of clinicians’ reporting proficiency and their risk perceptions of Ebola virus disease in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

“…This good knowledge may be a result of prior experiences/training in notifying Lassa fever, which is another viral hemorrhagic fever with repeated outbreaks in Nigeria. [21][22] Moreover, we found that a previous training on Lassa fever was significantly associated with good knowledge of modalities of notification of suspected EVD cases. The high level of knowledge among clinicians in other parts of Nigeria probably contributed to the early detection and notification of EVD from Nigeria's patient zero during the recent West African EVD outbreak.…”

“…This may impact the outcome of the study, thereby limiting the generalizability of our findings. 22 However, the work position and qualification of clinicians who regularly notify Lassa fever were fully represented in the survey. Also, this was a cross-sectional descriptive study suitable for identifying gaps for future training and generating hypothesis for future studies.…”

Infection prevention and control in a treatment centre during a Lassa fever outbreak in southeastern Nigeria - January, 2018

“…This finding is lower than the findings in a similar study in Southwestern Nigeria where a cumulative average of 69.2% was reported. 4 This level of awareness was probably due to setting of the study, years of professional practice as well as previous knowledge and training about Lassa fever.…”

“…The infection is endemic in West African countries and causes 300-500,000 cases annually with about 5,000 deaths. 4,5 Humans of all age groups are at risk of Lassa virus. Persons at greater risk are those in areas of poor sanitation and health workers who do not maintain standard safety precautions when managing patients with Lassa fever.…”

Diagnostic applications for Lassa fever in limited-resource settings

“…Early diagnosis of LASV infections remains a challenge despite the knowledge of Lassa fever epidemiology and symptoms by healthcare providers in LASV-affected regions18 due to the non-specific nature of many of the common symptoms associated with Lassa fever. As febrile patients present to a health facility and LASV infection may not be suspected, diagnostics for clinical management should be able to accurately detect LASV infection.…”