Knowledge of Ebola Virus Disease Transmission and Prevention Among Rural Traders in Rivers State

Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains one of the most feared haemorrhagic fevers globally, with Nigeria's past experience of the 2014 Lagos outbreak highlighting the vulnerability of mobile trading populations to rapid viral dissemination. This study assesses knowledge of EVD transmission routes and prevention practices among rural market traders in Khana and Gokana local government areas, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey will recruit 350 traders using systematic random sampling at three weekly markets. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire will evaluate awareness of Ebola transmission (contact with infected bodily fluids, handling of bushmeat), knowledge of symptoms, and familiarity with outbreak response protocols. Knowledge scores will be graded as good, fair, or poor. Associations between knowledge levels and educational attainment, media exposure, and prior EVD training will be analysed using chi-square and logistic regression. Existing literature indicates that rural traders in Nigeria's Niger Delta often have low awareness of haemorrhagic fever prevention, compounded by limited access to radio and television health campaigns. Findings will inform the Rivers State Ministry of Health in designing context-appropriate EVD health education materials targeting trading communities. The study also documents barriers to risk communication in rural South South markets, relevant to future epidemic preparedness under the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response framework. Keywords: Ebola virus disease, knowledge, traders, Rivers State, prevention