Knowledge Of Ebola Virus Disease Research Articles

Patterns and conversational structure of knowledge sharing on Ebola virus disease among healthcare practitioners: Observations from a pilot study

This pilot study was designed to determine the conversational structure on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), pattern of knowledge sharing and knowledge sharing behaviour of healthcare practitioners (HCP) on Medscape online network. The study was guided by Conversation Theory, and deployed a retrospective document/content analysis research design. Ninety-two comments from healthcare practitioners including 16 EVD newsposts out of 37 EVD news were randomly extracted from the network between 2014 and 2018. Extracted data were analysed using NVivo and Microsoft Excel applications. An EVD knowledge taxonomy was developed from the content mapping of EVD topics posted on the network. Results from the pilot study revealed that news on EVD were mostly on EVD outbreak management at the peak period of EVD outbreak in 2014. Also, the HCPs mostly engaged in knowledge sharing on issues relating to EVD risk. Findings revealed that the entire (37) newsposts were of interest to HCPs and they responded to 16 newsposts. There were three active and influential HCPs on the network. The novelty of this study stems from its focus on conversation patterns of HCP on online knowledge sharing using the variables of Conversation theory to examine their knowledge sharing behaviours. The outcome of the study could serve as a model for other studies on other trending viral diseases such as Coronavirus, Lassa Fever, Monkey pox, etc. This study thus recommends replicate analysis in the main study with a larger data set with further findings using network analysis and other statistical tools to examine the conversational structure on EVD and pattern of knowledge sharing among the HCPs.

Evaluation of Community Perceptions and Prevention Practices Related to Ebola Virus as Part of Outbreak Preparedness in Uganda, 2020.

During the 2018-2020 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) were prioritized in geographic areas in Uganda considered at high risk of introduction of EVD. To inform EVD preparedness in Uganda, we evaluated community perceptions and prevention practices related to EVD in 6 districts in Uganda. In March 2020, we conducted a population-based survey in 6 purposively selected districts in Uganda using multistage cluster sampling. We examined differences between districts classified as high- versus low risk for EVD in terms of their message exposure from RCCE; risk perception; and EVD knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices. A total of 3,485 respondents were interviewed (91% response rate). EVD message exposure was more common in the high- versus low-risk districts. EVD risk perceptions were low overall but greater in the high- versus low-risk districts. Comprehensive knowledge was significantly greater in the high- versus low-risk districts (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.35, 1.93). Respondents' engagement in all 3 EVD prevention practices (frequent handwashing with soap, avoiding physical contact with suspected Ebola patients, and avoiding burials involving contact with a corpse) was very low (4%). However, respondents with comprehensive knowledge were more likely to engage in all 3 EVD prevention practices compared to respondents without comprehensive knowledge (aPR 1.87, 95% CI=1.08, 3.25). Our findings suggest that while RCCE efforts as part of EVD outbreak preparedness may have contributed to higher EVD knowledge in the targeted high-risk districts, uptake of prevention behaviors was similarly low across districts. In a non-outbreak setting, implementing targeted RCCE strategies may not be sufficient to motivate people to adopt protective behaviors in the absence of a high threshold of perceived threat such as in an active outbreak.

Protective Behaviors Associated With Gender During the 2018-2020 Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

In 2018 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced the world's second largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, killing 2290 individuals; women were disproportionately infected (57% of all cases) despite no evidence of differential biological EVD risk. Understanding how gender norms may influence exposure to EVD, intensity, and prognosis as well as personal protective behaviors against the virus is important to disease risk reduction and control interventions. To assess whether men and women differ in personal protective behaviors (vaccine acceptance, health-seeking behaviors, physical distancing) and the mediating role of EVD information and knowledge, perceived disease risk, and social relations. This cross-sectional, multistage cluster survey study of 1395 randomly selected adults was conducted in the Ebola-affected regions of North Kivu from April 20, 2019, to May 10, 2019. Path analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling to examine associations among study variables. Statistical analysis was conducted from August 2019 to May 2020. The main behavioral outcomes of interest were (1) vaccine acceptance, (2) formal health care seeking, and (3) self-protective behaviors. The primary factor of interest was self-reported gender identity. We also assessed sociodemographic factors. Among the study's 1395 participants, 1286 (93%) had Nande ethnicity and 698 (50%) were women; the mean (SD) age was 34.5 (13.1) years. Compared with female participants, male participants reported significantly higher levels of education, wealth, and mobile phone access. There were associations found between gender and all EVD preventive behavioral outcomes, with evidence for mediation through EVD knowledge and belief in rumors. Men reported greater EVD knowledge accuracy compared with women (mean [SE] score for men: 12.06 [0.13] vs women: 11.08 [0.16]; P < .001), and greater knowledge accuracy was associated with increases in vaccine acceptance (β = 0.37; P < .001), formal care seeking (β = 0.39; P < .001), and self-protective behaviors (β = 0.35; P < .001). Lower belief in rumors was associated with greater vaccine acceptance (β = -0.30; P < .001), and greater EVD information awareness was associated with increased adoption of self-protective behaviors (β = 0.23; P < .001). This survey study found gender differences in adopting preventive protective behaviors against EVD. These findings suggest that it is critical to design gender-sensitive communication and vaccination strategies, while engaging women and their community as a whole in any response to infectious disease outbreaks. Research on the potential link between gender and sociodemographics factors associated with disease risk and outcomes is needed.

Cross-sectional survey of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers and community members toward the Ebola virus disease and antimicrobial resistance pathogens outbreaks in Nigeria.

Introductionthe 2014 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Nigeria has further raised the awareness of health-care workers (HCWs) and community members (MCs) on the threat posed by infectious diseases and the need for improvement on infection control practices. However, awareness of dangers of increasing incidences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in hospitals and communities remained low.Methodsa cross-sectional survey of awareness of 195 HCWs and 265 MCs toward EVD and AMR was conducted through a structured questionnaire.Resultsmajority of HCWs (95.4%) and MCs (82.8%) still have knowledge of EVD´s danger and give reasons like its unique way of killing and unavailability of drugs for their awareness. Only 17.2% of MCs are aware of AMR as a problem, and only 3.4% of MCs and 10.3% of HCWs agreed that AMR is more dangerous than EVD. On the contrary, 76.4% of doctors, 95.1% nurses, 67.9% laboratory scientists, 66.7% pharmacists, 77.4% students and 100% of civil servants, drivers and religious leaders believed that EVD is more horrific and spread faster. They both attributed the rapid awareness of EVD in Nigeria, despite being new at the time of the outbreak, to the seriousness with which stakeholders and the media fought EVD, the gesture AMR is yet to receive. Though both HCWs and MCs agreed that prevention, not treatment is the best option to tackle Ebola like-diseases, but surprisingly, about 37% and 65% of HCWs and MCs respectively, still believe that traditional medicines can be used to treat Ebola related illnesses.ConclusionAMR awareness remains low among MCs and some HCWs when compared with EVD. It is recommended that efforts put in place during EVD outbreak by all stakeholders and the media need to be doubled to increase the knowledge of both HCWs and MCs toward AMR.

Knowledge and misconceptions related to the Ebola Virus Disease among adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The venomous snake under the table of prevention

ObjectivesOn July 24, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the end of the 2018 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Equateur Province. Conducted seven months after, this study aimed to examine knowledge and misconceptions related to EVD in a representative sample of affected communities in order to develop evidence-based prevention programs. Study designCross-sectional study with a two-stratified representative sample. MethodsA sample of 1,614 participants (50% of women) was recruited between March and April 2019 in the three affected health zones. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge, perception, practices and misconceptions related to EVD. ResultsOne-third of the 1,614 participants did not know that EVD is transmitted through bodily fluids of infected people. Only 39.85% and 45.99% were aware that EVD cannot be transmitted through air and mosquitoes. Only 44.93% declared a salty and hot bath cannot prevent EVD; and only 43.78% answered that spiritual or traditional healers cannot cure EVD. Results also indicated that although participants with high levels of education had more knowledge of EVD, they did not differ significantly from less educated ones for misconceptions. Hierarchical linear regression models showed interactions of sociodemographic characteristics that predicted EVD knowledge. ConclusionsThe pervasive lack of knowledge, misconceptions and attitudes related to EVD constitute a major concern for prevention. Instead of basing awareness programs on the fear of EVD, health authorities, World Health Organization and NGOs should co-develop culturally sensitive and inclusive community evidence-based programs to educate the populations.

Perceptions of ebola virus disease among the bambuti hunter group: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT The second largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 2018–20. The Bambuti, a hunter population in the Ituri Forest of the DRC, may be vulnerable to the zoonotic spread of EVD due to their frequent handling of forest animals. We conducted five focus group discussions and surveyed 113 Bambuti and 91 Bantu (control group), to discern how the Bambuti perceived and responded to EVD. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions revealed three major themes: (1) deprivation and discrimination; (2) mistrust; and (3) epistemic dissonance with public health messages emphasizing risks posed by forest animals. In surveys, 98% of Bambuti were deprived using the multidimensional poverty index (versus 78% of Bantu controls, p < 0.0001) and 77% had no formal education (versus 29% of controls, p < 0.0001). Bambuti were more dependent on wild meat for survival (51% versus 32% of controls, p = 0.008) and more frequently opposed the implementation of a bushmeat ban (48% versus 19% of controls, p < 0.0001). Trust in government was similar among Bambuti and Bantu. Comprehensive EVD knowledge was poor overall, and lower among the Bambuti (2% versus 8% of controls, p = 0.041). Compliance with public health measures was associated with higher levels of education and trust in government but did not differ between Bambuti and Bantu survey respondents. Together, our findings point to a particular vulnerability of the Bambuti to the effects of EVD, attributable at least in part to multidimensional poverty.

Analysis of Residents’ Preparedness Protocols during Ebola Pandemic in Urban Environment

Background: The study provided empirical analysis of the change in hygiene behavioural practices among community in Ogun and Lagos State with respect to Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Methods: The data were extracted from a 2015 Cross-Sectional Survey on wellness, knowledge, attitude and practices towards the control and prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD). Out of 1093 respondents selected in the main survey through simple random sampling technique within two enumeration areas (EAs), only 933 data cases were analyzable, leaving an attrition rate of 14.6%. The EAs represents the sampling points within the local government areas selected for the interviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were both employed in the data analysis. Results: The results revealed high level of knowledge of EVD but over 70% were not aware of centre for treatment of EVD; 60.2% believed they cannot be susceptible to EVD. There were changes in certain practices that were canvassed and earlier adhered to during the outbreak. The practice of handshaking reduced, eating of hunted animals decreased only marginally by 6.9% and washing with soap increased by 4%. Conclusion: The study provides helpful insights for public health policy on possible mitigating strategies, especially in terms of behavioral risk factors that are prone to Ebola virus infections or other communicable diseases. The study emphasises that regular hand washing with soap and the use of sanitising agents including availability of treatment centres would be helpful in preventing the occurrence or re-occurrence of pandemic. The protocols identified in this study could be relevant to both medical personnel and the community for adoption especially as the unlikelihood of Ebola (or other pandemic) re-emergence have not been established.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Sudanese Health Care Providers toward Ebola Virus Outbreak.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a highly contagious and fatal disease in humans. Healthcare providers (HCPs) are often at the frontline of epidemics and can thus be in jeopardy of contracting EVD. Sudan is at a great risk of an EVD outbreak, as it borders countries that experienced EVD outbreaks. It is therefore imperative in Sudan to assess the HCPs' awareness and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about EVD for its control and man-agement and for preparedness. A KAP survey was conducted among 387 HCPs (physicians, nurses and labora-tory technicians) in the three main tertiary hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan. The majority of the survey respon-dents (54.5%) were females, < 30 years old (76.3%), and single (77.4%). Most (94%) had heard about EVD, 62% from classical media. Only 14% had received education or training regarding EVD. About 40% reported being adherent to universal precautions and 72% were willing to deal with EVD patients under safety precau-tions. Only 10% knew of any available standard national guidelines for EVD. Nearly half of the HCPs (47%) rated the potential risk of an EVD outbreak in Sudan as high, and 52% rated health authorities' effort against it as weak. These findings revealed the HCPs' insufficient knowledge of EVD and the necessary universal precau-tions. This lack of knowledge would negatively affect the HCPs' preparedness toward any potential EVD out-break. There is a dire need to train HCPs in Sudan on the management of EVD, including preventive and con-trol measures.

Socio-demographic Predictors of Knowledge of Ebola Virus Disease among Future Healthcare Professionals

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives: </strong>The current study evaluated the knowledge and its predictors regarding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) among future healthcare professionals in a university in Malaysia. <strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study approach was utilized to recruit the study participants from three different healthcare faculties of a university. A validated research tool with a data collection form was used to obtain data by convenience sampling method. The healthcare faculties involved in the present research were pharmacy, dentistry, and medical. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.0 was used to analyze the data. <strong>Results: </strong>In the current study, a total of 273 participants were recruited. The majority of the study participants had an average and inadequate knowledge about EVD. The male participants had better adequate knowledge than females. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to determine the predictors of knowledge about EVD among the study participants. Statistically, a significant level was taken at <em>p</em> &lt;0.05.<strong> Conclusion:</strong> Gender and healthcare professionals in the family were observed as the pure predictors of knowledge regarding EVD among the study participants. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong> Key words:</strong> Knowledge, EVD, Predictors, Future healthcare professionals, Students.

Risk factors and knowledge of ebola virus disease among hunters in Kwara State, Nigeria

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a hemorrhagic, severe, often fatal, zoonotic disease transmitted by exposure to body fluids of infected bats and non-human primates. This study assessed the risk factors and knowledge of EVD among hunters in Kwara state. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 427 hunters using a structured questionnaire that was administered between January and April 2016. Most of the hunters (99.3 %, n=424/427)) were male and the mean age was 39 years. The mean knowledge score was 4.3±0.9. Most of the hunters (96.2%, n=411/427) were aware of EVD but only 42.6% (n=182/427) of them had good knowledge (GK) of the disease. About one-quarter (22.5%, n=96/427) of the hunters hunted bats and monkeys and 17.1% (n=73/427) of them have consumed raw or undercooked game animals (bush meat). The knowledge of EVD was significantly influenced by the marital status, form of education, occupation, and religion. Hunters who went through conventional western education (OR:4.6; 95% CI: 2.6, 8.1; p<0.001) and those who were married (OR:4.4; 95%CI: 1.4, 11.0; p = 0.051) were more likely to have a GK of EVD respectively than those with no formal education and single hunters. Similarly, hunters who were also professional farmers were more likely (OR = 23.1, 95% C.I.: 7.3, 55.2; p <0.01) to have a GK of EVD. Similarly, the education of hunters (OR = 4.6, 95% CI =2.6-8.1; p = <0.001), their ethnicity (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.4-4.1; p = 0.002), and their religion (OR = 8.7, 95% CI = 2.0-38.9; p = 0.004) had significant impact on their knowledge of EVD. This study reported high awareness of EVD among hunters in Kwara state. However, mass advocacy on the EVD should be re-instituted with emphasis on the mode of transmission, preventive, and control measures to prevent the re-introduction of EVD into the human population.

Gender and Ebola in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: Pathways to Protective Behavioral Outcomes During the 2018-2020 Ebola Outbreak

Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) witnessed the world’s second largest Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak killing 2290 individuals, with women disportionately infected (57% of all cases) despite no evidence on differential biological risk for EVD. We assessed if men and women differ in personal protective behaviors (vaccine acceptance, health-seeking behaviors, physical distancing) and the mediating role of gender differences in levels of EVD information and knowledge, perceived disease risk, and social relations. Methods: We conducted a multi-stage cluster survey of 1395 individuals in North Kivu between 20 April – 10 May, 2019, a period of high transmission in the sampled region of DRC. We conducted path analyses using a structural equation modeling framework to examine associations among variables as hypothesized. Findings: We found associations between gender and all EVD preventive behavioral outcomes, with evidence for the mediating role of EVD knowledge and belief in rumors. Men reported greater EVD accuracy compared to women. Greater EVD knowledge accuracy was associated with increases in vaccine acceptance, formal care seeking, and self-protection behaviors. Lower belief in rumors led to greater vaccine acceptance, and greater EVD information awareness led to increased adoption of self-protection behaviors. Interpretation: In any response to infectious disease, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to not only design gender-sensitive communication and vaccination strategies, but also to engage women and the community as a whole in the response.Funding: The Enhanced Learning and Research for Humanitarian Assistance (ELRHA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided funding for the study.Declaration of Interest: We declare no competing interests.Ethical Approval: The survey was approved by Brigham and Women’s Hospital Human Research Committee and the Research Center on Democracy and Development in Africa, Free university of the Great Lakes Countries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Preparedness of health care systems for Ebola outbreak response in Kasese and Rubirizi districts, Western Uganda

BackgroundThe level of preparedness of the health care workers, the health facility and the entire health system determines the magnitude of the impact of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak as demonstrated by the West African Ebola outbreak. The objective of the study was to assess preparedness of the health care facilities and identify appropriate preparedness measures for Ebola outbreak response in Kasese and Rubirizi districts in western Uganda.MethodsA cross sectional descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 189 health care workers using a structured questionnaire and visits to 22 health facilities to determine the level of health care system preparedness to EVD outbreak. District level infrastructure capabilities, existence of health facility logistics and supplies, and health care workers’ knowledge of EVD was assessed. EVD Preparedness was assessed on infrastructure and logistical capabilities and the level of knowledge of an individual health work about the etiology, control and prevention of EVD.ResultsTwelve out of the 22 of the health facilities, especially health center III’s and IV’s, did not have a line budget to respond to EVD when there was a threat of EVD in a nearby country. The majority (n = 13) of the facilities did not have the following: case definition books, rapid response teams and/or committees, burial teams, and simulation drills. There were no personal protective equipment that could be used within 8 h in case of an EVD outbreak in fourteen of the 22 health facilities. All facilities did not have Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) incident management centers, isolation units, guidelines for burial, and one-meter distance between a health care worker and a patient during triage. Overall, 54% (n = 102) of health care workers (HCWs) did not know the incubation period of EVD. HCWs who had tertiary education (aOR = 5.79; CI = 1.79–18.70; p = 0.003), and were Christian (aOR = 10.47; CI = 1.94–56.4; p = 0.006) were more likely to know about the biology, incubation period, causes and prevention of EVD.ConclusionsFeedback on the level of preparedness for the rural districts helps inform strategies for building capacity of these health centers in terms of infrastructure, logistics and improving knowledge of health care workers.

To Assess the Knowledge of Ebola Virus Disease among Staff Nurses and Nursing Students in selected Hospital and College, Jalandhar, Punjab

To Assess the Knowledge of Ebola Virus Disease among Staff Nurses and Nursing Students in selected Hospital and College, Jalandhar, Punjab

Knowledge of Ebola virus disease among students at AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia

BACKGROUND To assess the level of knowledge of Ebola virus disease (EVD) among students at The Asian Institute of Medical, Science and Technology (AIMST) University.&#x0D; METHODS This research is a cross-sectional study of 250 year-1 to year-4 students selected through the stratified sampling method from five health science faculties at AIMST University. Independent variables included students’ age, gender, faculty of origin, source of information, and participation in seminars or conferences, while the dependent variable was the students’ knowledge of EVD. Data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire.&#x0D; RESULTS The majority of the students did not have adequate knowledge of EVD (77.2%). The level of knowledge of EVD was significantly associated with faculty of origin (p = 0.014) only and not associated with other variables, such as sociodemographic factors, source of information, and participation in seminars or conferences.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS Information on EVD needs to be disseminated more intensively among university students due to the current lack of knowledge of the disease.

Knowledge and perception of the role of water, sanitation and hygiene in containment of Ebola virus disease among secondary school students in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract This study assessed the knowledge and perception of the role of water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the containment of Ebola virus disease (EVD) among secondary school students in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 420 students from eight schools (public and private) in Ibadan was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression at 5% level of significance. Overall, 60% reported EVD was airborne. A majority (71%) of the respondents had good knowledge of EVD, while a majority (92%) had a good perception of the role of WASH in EVD containment. Class of respondents was significantly (p = 0.045) associated with knowledge of WASH. Although schools had satisfactory sanitary facilities, only a few (21%) sustained good hygiene practices at the end of the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Our findings revealed suboptimal knowledge on transmission of EVD, and unsustainable hygiene practices among secondary students post-Nigeria's EVD outbreak. High priority should be given to hygiene education among educators and students. Implementation of monitoring and evaluation of hygiene behaviour among secondary school students should also be a priority.

Assessing the Geographic Context of Risk Perception and Behavioral Response to Potential Ebola Exposure.

The 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic outbreak reached over 28,000 cases and totaled over 11,000 deaths with 4 confirmed cases in the United States, which sparked widespread public concern about nationwide spread of EVD. Concern was elevated in locations connected to the infected people, which included Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. This threat of exposure enabled a unique opportunity to assess self-reported knowledge about EVD, risk perception, and behavior response to EVD. Unlike existing studies, which often survey one point in time across geographically coarse scales, this work offers insights into the geographic context of risk perception and behavior at finer-grained spatial and temporal scales. We report results from 3138 respondents comprised of faculty, staff, and students at two time periods. Results reveal increased EVD knowledge, decreased risk perception, and reduction in protective actions during this time. Faculty had the lowest perceived risk, followed by staff and then students, suggesting the role of education in this outcome. However, the most impactful result is the proof-of-concept for this study design to be deployed in the midst of a disease outbreak. Such geographically targeted and temporally dynamic surveys distributed during an outbreak can show where and when risk perception and behaviors change, which can provide policy-makers with rapid results that can shape intervention practices.

French guidelines for the outpatient management of Ebola virus disease: Applicability by family physicians

BackgroundDuring the last alarming Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, the French Ministry of Health developed guidelines for the outpatient management of EVD. We aimed to assess family physicians’ (FP) knowledge of EVD, to assess their working conditions, and to collect their opinion about the applicability of these guidelines in France. MethodsCross-sectional quantitative study (telephone or email) performed (November 2014–June 2015) during the EVD outbreak. Relevant results were further analyzed with a qualitative study (interviews) based on grounded theory (June-September 2016), after the end of the EVD outbreak. ResultsThirty-three FPs out of 100contacted answered our survey (response rate: 33%). We interviewed five FPs. Their knowledge of EVD was good. Information sent by post, especially from the national medical association, was considered the best means of information and was preferred to emails. Compliance with guidelines was based on their ease of understanding and application (common sense). The main difficulty in applying these guidelines was the unusual recommended equipment that seemed unnecessary as the management of these patients was based on their interview (anamnesis) and isolation without examination. EVD had little impact on the FPs’ practice, they only trained their secretaries to screen for suspected EVD patients and refer them to the mobile emergency unit. ConclusionFPs had good knowledge of EVD and guidelines. This seemed important to prevent the outbreak in France as they were ready to cope with such a situation, thanks to guidelines they could easily adjust to their practice.

Qualitative Exploration of Ebola Risk Perception among Mortuary Workers in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Aim: To explore the risk perception of Ebola virus disease (EVD) among mortuary workers in Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: A qualitative research approach method, using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), conducted among 36 mortuary workers in Ibadan.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between October and November 2014 in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: A structured moderating approach with a non-directive style was developed. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide was used to explore participants’ ideas and opinions. The FGD guide consisted of five sections. Each section was framed to probe into the following issues: (1). Knowledge of EVD (2). Participant’s attitude to EVD (3). Adherence to infection control practices (4). Risk perception of EVD; and (5). Behavioural predisposition to the risk of mortuary-related infections. A total of six FGD sessions were conducted among 36 mortuary attendants, drawn from two government and four private health facilities in Ibadan. Six participants made up each focus group and one focus group discussion was conducted at a time in the respective health facilities.&#x0D; Results: The qualitative exploration of mortuary workers revealed gaps in the knowledge of workers with regards to EVD, the high-risk perception of mortuary workers to Ebola virus disease and the unavailability of PPE in conducting autopsies and daily operations. In addition, a poor attitude to convalescent individuals and certain harmful behavioural practices in the morgue were revealed as key findings.&#x0D; Conclusion: Efforts at bridging the knowledge gaps concerning EVD among mortuary workers should be sustained, despite the decline in Ebola outbreaks. It is also recommended that standard precautions should be followed when handling corpses due to the risk of infection.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Insufficient Preparation of Ambulatory Physicians for Ebola Virus Disease in Germany

Globalization and climate change increase the likelihood of a global spread of high consequence infectious diseases. We analyzed how outpatient physicians in Germany were prepared to recognize and handle potential Ebola virus-infected patients during the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Outpatient physicians participated in 2 anonymous surveys (n=166 and 129, respectively) and were asked, among others, about their knowledge of Ebola virus disease, their subjective perception of their own knowledge and the practical implementation in their daily routine. This was compared to a minimum standard defined by 14 members of the German "Permanent Working Group of Competence and Treatment Centres for high consequence infectious diseases" (STAKOB). The Ebola virus-specific knowledge of participants was significantly inferior compared to the defined minimum standard. Of 8 factual questions, an average of merely 5 was answered correctly. The physicians' subjective perception of knowledge presented as 'little'. Although 56% of participants indicated that they had received standard operation procedures, 64% had not implemented them into their daily routine. Merely 22% of surveyed medical doctors participated in Ebola virus-specific education programs. Yet participation led to a significantly better subjective knowledge perception. Contrary to the official assessment that Germany is well prepared for high consequence infectious diseases, this study suggests that there are deficits in this area. Despite the abundance of information about Ebola virus disease, preparation of outpatient physicians in Germany was inadequate. Yet nearly half of the participants indicated the potential risk of occurrence as 'likely' or 'very likely'. The presented data show the different consequences to be drawn regarding potential future crises and further research.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Care Workers on Ebola in Hospital Towards Ebola Virus Disease, Conakry, Guinea, 2016

To cope with any further outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Guinea, a cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the level of awareness, attitude and practice of health care workers about EVD in Conakry, Guinea. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Institute of Nutrition and Child Health (INSE), at the national hospitals of Donka and Ignace Deen in 2016 and involved 14 clinical facilities. Scores were built up for knowledge, attitude and practice. These scores were classified into two groups: bad (score < 50%) and good (score ≥ 50%). A total of 267 participants from these health care systems responded to a structured questionnaire. The proportion of health care workers with good knowledge, attitudes and practices was respectively 71.9%, 94% and 50.2%. Factors associated with good knowledge of EVD were male [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.7: 95% CI 1.0 to 2.9] and received training in EVD (2.7: 1.6-4.8). Factors associated with good practice were membership in INSE (2.3: 1.1-4.7) and training on EVD (2.2: 1.3-3.8). There is lack of knowledge of EVD, as well as negative attitudes and practices, particularly in prevention. However, continuing education for health care workers could correct these deficiencies.