Ebola Virus Disease: Risk Perception and Gaps in Compliance with Infection Control Practices among Mortuary Workers in Two South Western Cities of Nigeria

Aims: Mortuary workers and embalmers represent a high risk group for the transmission of Ebola virus disease. However risk perception that may determine adoption of behavioral preventive among this group is not documented in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aims to determine the risk perception and level of adherence to infectious disease control practices among mortuary attendants and embalmers in Ibadan and Lagos metropolis, Nigeria.

Methodology: This is a quantitative study of mortuary attendants in both public and private embalming centres in Lagos and Ibadan Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ibadan and Lagos metropolis, Nigeria between October and November 2014.

Sampling Techniques and Data Collection: This study used a two stage random sampling technique to select one hundred and seven (107) mortuary attendants and embalmers from Ibadan and Lagos metropolis. A pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on the compliance with the use of personnel protective equipment and individual risk perception.

Results: A total of 107 respondents were interviewed. Most (86.9%) respondents had high risk perception. There were substantial low use of each type of PPE among the respondents as follows: face shields (43%), aprons (62.6%) and nose masks (55.1%). About 60.7% of the respondents believed that they were very likely to contract any infectious disease.

Conclusion: The low use of personal protective equipment, despite the high Ebola risk perception among this vulnerable group of mortuary attendants indicates a need for sustained media campaigns to maintain the successful control of the disease in these regions. Selected training and on job professional courses are recommended.