The Social Influence of Ebola on Lassa Fever Research Intervention in Koinadugu District, Northern Sierra Leone

Abstract

Background: Lassa fever (LF) is a viral disease endemic in Sierra Leone (SL). An outbreak of Lassa fever was first investigated in SL in 1972 in the southwest region. Kenema area has concentrated most of the Lassa outbreaks and such most of the research. This study seeks to explore the social ramifications of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) on 2019 LF research studies in Koinadugu, northern Sierra Leone. Methods: The study design was descriptive and used qualitative and ethnographic methods to carry out this study. Using purposive sampling data collection technique, with youthful to elderly age groups, in the 3 rural communities in the Koinadugu district, Northern Sierra Leone was implored to capture and explore valid and reliable data for the study. Focus group discussions, In-depth and informal interviews undertaken in Village 1, Village 2 and Village 3 were to explore some of the social factors of Post-Ebola influencing LF research intervention in northern Sierra Leone.3 participant observations were carried out in the 3 villages, 14 in-depth interviews with adults/youth/women and 3 number of focus group discussions with stake holders/health care staff and community members were carried out in 3 villages where LAROCS project is conducting research. The data collected was transcribed and coded and analysed through thematic analysis from questions the study seek to answer before analysis began. The identification, organization and interpretation of themes interpreted various aspects of the study’s topic into results for discussion. Results: the main factors that influence the resistance of LF research were the Experiences/reflections of Ebola, mistrust in the health care system, misconception/perception of LF as other common diseases, rumor spill-overs, and poor health education about viral diseases in the communities. From the study, the poor knowledge dynamics of endemic LF and first hand Ebola outbreak reflections with evident traces, submerged everyday risk interactions of rodents-human cohabitation. The constructs of perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits and associated barriers of denial and resistance of Lassa fever are coupled with rodent familiarity and presence in time and space in livelihood activities such as farming, trading, hunting and mining as reported by study communities’ negatively shaping the ecological relationship with rodents, and then exposing them to the risk of primary transmission of LASV and potential outbreaks of Lassa fever. Conclusion: In context of the overall view, research resistance and rejection was propelled mainly by the context of poor knowledge and misinformation of LF fueled by mistrust and misconception of the viral disease, despite been endemic. It is apparent from the results that intuition of poor community health, lack of research interest in community and local authorities, lack of health promotion activities are the main objects of community resistance. This concludes that health promotion activities, community-based actions should be taken in to account and behavioural change communications should be urgently considered in future LF research and studies.