Perception Of Lassa-Fever Among Civil-Servants In Nigeria: The Factorial Impact Of Age, Gender And Educational-Level
Abamara Nnaemeka Chukwudum
Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State Nigeria, West Africa
Adiele Ezinne Maureen
Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State Nigeria, West Africa
Ogbuagu Chukwuanugo Nkemakolam
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda, East Africa
Adionne Agatha Alami
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda, East Africa
Keywords: Perception, Lassa-fever, Civil-Servants, Nigeria, Age, Gender, Educational-Level
Abstract
The study investigated the perception of Lassa fever among civil servants in Awka Nigeria: The factorial impact of age, gender and educational level. The purpose of the study is to find the differences between gender, educational level, and age on the perception of Lassa fever among civil servants in Awka metropolis. The population of the study comprised of two hundred and two (202) civil servants drawn from across various ministries in Awka, Anambra state. Three research hypotheses were proposed. Self-designed questionnaire on Lassa fever was utilized for the study. The study made use of a 2x3x5 factorial design. This is based on the premise that three independent variables with one of the variables having two levels (Gender-male and female), another having three levels (Age-young, middle and aged) and the last having five levels (Educational level-FSLC, JSCE, SSCE, B.SC and PG).Based on the research design, 3-way analysis of variance was used for the study. Findings of the study indicates that gender (f= 28.709, p< 0.5), age (f= 13.730, p< 0.5) and educational level (f= 26.045, p< 0.5) have significant impact on the perception of Lassa fever by the civil servants in Awka. Based on the findings, the researchers recommends that government should create more awareness on perception of Lassa fever especially among the aged and people within the lower educational level. This will help to eradicate the incidence of Lassa fever in our society.