Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Vasileios Margaritis

Abstract

AbstractEbola virus disease (EVD) is a deadly disease with no known cure and it caused an outbreak from 2014-2016 in Western Africa. Liberia had the highest morbidity and mortality; its capital city, Monrovia, was the focus of this study. The purpose of this research was to explore the association between sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors (gender, religion, age, occupation, education, and ward) and the use of preventative hygiene measures and understanding of EVD among working Monrovian adults. This population was chosen because 97% of the Monrovian population is employed, and thus serves as a good source for future public health campaigns. The theory of reasoned action/planned behavior was used as a framework to understand the situational factors, attitudes, and subjective norms about hygiene practices and EVD knowledge among workers. Data were taken from a 2014-2015 cross-sectional survey by the Liberian government and nongovernmental organizations with 1,334 responses from employed Monrovians. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binomial logistic regression were used. According to the results, occupation and education were significant predictors of hand sanitizer and bucket with bleach use. Occupation and education were significant predictors of understanding EVD signs and symptoms and understanding how EVD spreads. Education and gender were significant predictors of understanding general EVD knowledge. These results could promote positive social change by revealing the factors related to EVD prevention among working adults in Monrovia, who could benefit from targeted educational campaigns to prevent morbidity and mortality in future epidemics and ensure economic stability.

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