Abstract
INTRODUCTION: in Nigeria, misdiagnosis of arboviral infections poses a significant public health threat to prompt diagnosis and optimum treatment. This study investigates the knowledge about arboviral diseases and diagnostic practices among healthcare workers (HCW) in Nigeria. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with multistage sampling was carried out among healthcare workers in Lagos and federal capital territory (FCT). Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to healthcare workers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: a total of 395 HCWs were enrolled from Lagos State (48.4%) and from the FCT (51.6%). Majority of the HCWs in Lagos State (49.2%) and the FCT (50.5%) were ≥35 years (P<0.001). In Lagos State, laboratory scientists were most represented (40.3%) compared to 40.7% of the nurses in the FCT (P=0.013). All participant in the FCT practiced in secondary facilities compared to Lagos State (82.2%) and 38.7% had <5 years´ experience compared to 51.3% of HCWs in Lagos State with >10 years´ experience (P<0.001). A higher proportion of HCWs in Lagos State showed greater awareness about arboviral infections (33.5%) compared to those in the FCT (6.4%) (p < 0.001). In Lagos State, male, age ≥35 years, having good knowledge, and prior training on arboviral diseases and their diagnosis, increased the odds of diagnosing an arboviral infection. Also, medical doctors as well as laboratory scientists were more likely than nurses to diagnose an arboviral infection (P<0.05). In the FCT, good knowledge and training on arboviruses and arboviral infection diagnosis increased the odds of arboviral disease diagnosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: our study found differences in arboviral infection diagnostic practices in Lagos and FCT. Enhancing training and dissemination of knowledge gained from training is vital to improve diagnosis and surveillance of arboviral infection and diseases.