Effect of knowledge and perceptions of risks on Ebola-preventive behaviours in Ghana

Limited studies exist on the effects of knowledge and risk perceptions in Ebola-preventive behaviours in Ghana.

Using data collected from 800 respondents in 40 randomly selected communities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, this study employed hierarchical linear modelling to examine the effects of individual- and community-level factors on Ebola-preventive behaviours.

The study found individual- and community-level factors are significantly associated with Ebola-preventive behaviours. Respondents with greater knowledge about Ebola were more likely to engage in Ebola-preventive behaviours. In addition, there were significant changes in risk perception from the time the disease had peaked in neighbouring countries to the time data were collected. Most importantly, respondents who perceived themselves to have a high risk of contracting Ebola at the time of the survey were significantly less likely to engage in Ebola-preventive behaviours. Compared with Christians, Muslims were significantly less likely to engage in Ebola-preventive behaviours. Findings from the multilevel analysis indicated significant differences across communities. Communities expressing worry about a potential Ebola outbreak were more likely to engage in Ebola-preventive behaviours.

The findings suggest the importance of adopting behaviour change interventions that address Ebola at both the individual and community level, especially in the event of a future outbreak in Ghana.