TITLE:
Patients’ Decisions and Treatment Options in Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Epidemic: Resilience of the Decentralised Healthcare System
AUTHORS:
Victor Onyilor Achem, Jean Paul Yassa Guilavogui, Oladele Oluwafemi Ayodeji, Ikiakhele Rosemary Omoiholo
KEYWORDS:
Lassa Fever, Decentralised Healthcare System, Patient-Treatment Interaction, Misconceptions, Outbreak Response
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Infectious Diseases,
Vol.15 No.2,
April
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Lassa fever (LF) remains a formidable public health challenge in Nigeria, necessitating extensive research to unravel its complex epidemiological dynamics. This study explores the pivotal role of treatment decentralisation in optimizing Lassa fever case management and outbreak responses, focusing on healthcare professionals’ perspectives. Employing qualitative research methodologies, we conducted in-depth key informant interviews with 15 healthcare professionals actively engaged in Lassa fever case management in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour, this research investigates how misconceptions shape patient behaviour and, consequently, treatment outcomes. Our findings illuminate the critical challenges associated with Lassa fever case management, including patient behaviour, facility congestion, and support from other healthcare institutions. Notably, some patients harbour misconceptions regarding Lassa fever, which leads them to pursue alternative treatments prior to seeking professional medical interventions. The propensity towards seeking treatment at faith-based hospitals often stems from faith and a belief in divine intervention as a means of recovery from Lassa fever. Persistent congestion at the primary treatment facility emerges as a recurring issue during Lassa fever outbreaks. To address this challenge, it becomes essential to collaborate with research and donor organizations, aimed at providing support and training to local healthcare providers to deliver Lassa fever treatment and care. This strategic move takes some of the pressure off the main facility, making sure that patients can get to it quickly. This collaborative approach is particularly invaluable during peak outbreak periods when the central facility faces congestion. By addressing patient misconceptions, mitigating facility congestion, and reinforcing support for other healthcare centres, we pave the way for more efficient and timely management of Lassa fever cases and related diseases.