Proprietary and Patent Medicine Vendors in Lassa Fever Endemic Communities in Edo State, Nigeria: Assessment of Knowledge, Exposure Risk and Potential for Inclusion in Outbreak Response

Background: The study investigated the knowledge and attitude of proprietary and patent medicine vendors (PPMVs) towards Lassa fever (LF) and related practices to ascertain their risk of infection and potential role in community-based control. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Esan West and Esan Central local government areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for analysis. Result: 182 out of 200 administered questionnaires were retrieved and analysed. All respondents had heard of LF. About 35.2% (64/182) of respondents had inadequate knowledge with predictors as tertiary education (AOR = 0.11, P = 0.024), and age > 35 years (AOR = 0.07, P = 0.001). About 74.2% (135/182) expressed their willingness to educate clients on Lassa fever. About 66.5% had used a sharp device in the past 6 months, with 33.9% being an injection device. In the preceding 3 months, one-fifth encountered at least a client who did not recover after a first course of treatment for malaria. Of this, two-fifth were referred to a health facility for further care. Injection practices, hand glove use and hand hygiene were sub-optimal for 26.8% (11/41), 42.1% (51/121) and 67.6% (123/182) of respondents, respectively. Waste segregation was improper for 80.8% (147/182) of respondents. Conclusions: PPMVs, though knowledgeable about LF, held unsafe work practices. Interventions to address gaps in knowledge and infection control practices will protect them against contracting LF and position them to actively participate in LF control.