UNDERSTANDING SOCIO-CULTURAL AND CONTEXTUAL DRIVERS OF PREVENTIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR LASSA FEVER IN ENDEMIC COMMUNITIES

Lassa fever remains a persistent public health challenge in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where recurrent outbreaks continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Despite increased awareness campaigns and availability of preventive guidelines, adherence to recommended preventive behaviours remains suboptimal in many endemic communities. This paper explores the socio-cultural and contextual drivers influencing the uptake of Lassa fever preventive behaviours. Drawing on empirical evidence from peer-reviewed studies, the review highlights how cultural beliefs, social norms, economic realities, environmental conditions, and health system factors shape individual and community responses to prevention messages. The findings underscore that preventive behaviour is not solely determined by knowledge but is deeply embedded within broader socio-cultural and structural contexts. The paper concludes that culturally responsive, community-driven, and context-specific health education strategies are essential for improving sustained adoption of Lassa fever preventive behaviours.