Journal of Education and Human Development

Attitude of Senior Secondary School Students towards Ebola Preventive Measures in Calabar, Nigeria
Denwigwe, C.P; Okpechi, P. A.; Asuquo2, P.N; Unimna, F.U; Abuo, C; Osang, M.A.

Abstract
Peoples’ attitudes toward Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have, over the years been observed to tremendously impact its control and prevention especially during outbreaks but hardly had research significant efforts focused on one of the most vulnerable groups (the in-school-adolescents). This article sought to fill this literature gap by focusing on the attitudes of senior secondary school students toward EVD preventive measures. A survey research design was adopted with two null hypotheses formulated to guide the study. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient range of 0.79 to 0.86 was used to collect data from 200 respondents while data was analyzed with t-test statistics. The findings revealed that the attitude of students towards EVD preventive measures was significantly positive. The result also indicates that significant family differences exist in attitude in favour of monogamy. It was concluded that the level of awareness of the disease was high with some myths, misconceptions and misinformation about EVD diffused. It was recommended that attitude of similar and other age cohorts be recognized and targeted for more routine mobilization, activities, messages and other preventive interventions and campaigns in order to reduce false beliefs and improve help seeking behaviour while educational public health messages should focus on limiting or halting EVD spread occasioned by unsafe health attitudes.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v7n2a11