Assessment of Knowledge of Ebola Virus Disease Prevention Among Rural Communities in Bayelsa State

Ebola virus disease outbreaks in Nigeria have underscored the critical importance of community-level health education as a first line of defence in epidemic preparedness. This study assessed knowledge of Ebola virus disease prevention among rural communities in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, with 250 adults recruited from communities in Sagbama, Ekeremor, and Southern Ijaw local government areas. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge of transmission, symptoms, and prevention practices. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Findings revealed that overall knowledge of Ebola transmission was low, with only 33 percent of respondents able to correctly identify contact with infected body fluids as the primary mode of transmission. Common misconceptions included belief that Ebola spread through air and water. Knowledge of preventive measures such as avoiding handling of sick or dead animals and proper handwashing was also poor. Respondents who had been reached by community health education campaigns during prior outbreak response efforts demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores. The study recommended proactive, sustained health education campaigns on viral haemorrhagic fever preparedness in rural riverine communities and integration of epidemic preparedness content into community health extension worker training. Keywords: Ebola virus disease, knowledge, prevention, rural communities, Bayelsa State