Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

David Anderson

Abstract

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Yearly outbreaks of the disease occur in Edo State, Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic and socioeconomic factors that can influence transmission of the disease. The Commission on Social Determinants of Health conceptual framework was used in this research study. This framework describes the relationship between structural and intermediary factors and how they determine health outcomes. To answer the research question of how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence Lassa fever transmission in Edo State, a cross-sectional study was designed. After IRB approval, a questionnaire was used to collect data from sampled residents in six selected Local Government Areas in Edo State. Using SPSS, the relationships between independent variables (demographic and socioeconomic factors) and Lassa fever transmission were tested with chi square and logistic regression. The key findings in this study were that urban residence, occupation, monthly household income, poor housing condition and ethnic group were significantly associated with Lassa fever transmission. Recommendations from these findings include the consideration of these factors in the design and implementation of strategies for the control of the disease by government and partner organizations. The findings of this study can contribute to social change by providing empirical evidence to enhance the targets of advocacy and risk communication for Lassa fever control.

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