Effectiveness of Yoruba language radio jingles in promoting knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Lassa fever among women in Ondo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Lassa fever is one of the known Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that plague some states in Nigeria. Radio jingles in indigenous language have been adopted as a veritable risk communication approach to promote public knowledge in the bid to reduce the incidence of Lassa fever outbreaks in Ondo state which has recorded the highest number of victims in recent times. Given the high level of women’s contribution in home keeping, food storage as well as maintenance of environmental hygiene practices, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), is fundamental for the control of Lassa fever.

Objective: The study examines the efficacy of indigenous (Yoruba) language radio jingles on knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Lassa fever prevention among women in Ondo state.

Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach using Focus Group Discussion as the method of data collection. Results: Majority of the sampled respondents showed ample knowledge of Lassa fever. However, most respondents showed poor attitude towards the rodent vector and the recommended preventive measures have not been fully adopted by the majority of the respondents due to some identified barriers that hinder them from performing certain preventive practices.

Conclusion: The radio jingles in Yoruba language have succeeded in promoting adequate knowledge of Lassa fever among women in Ondo state. Although attitude towards the disease vector is still poor and total compliance with the recommended preventive practices that will reduce the spate of Lassa fever in the state have not been achieved.