Bridging cultural gaps in health communication: Indigenous language as a catalyst for combatting monkeypox in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Infectious diseases such as monkeypox have continued to pose significant threats to global health, demanding effective strategies for prevention and control. Existing studies have primarily focused on monkeypox clinical analysis, with less attention given to adopting indigenous languages as a health communication for proper behavioural practices. This study investigated the usage of indigenous language as a health communication strategy for the prevention of monkeypox vis-à-vis the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Alimosho residents of Lagos State. Furthermore, the study determines the influence of information sources on residents’ behavioural practices. The research employed a mixed-methods approach of in-depth interviews and surveys to collect data from public health practitioners and 439 randomly selected residents of Alimosho using multistage sampling. Findings reveal a mixed level of understanding and adherence to recommended preventive measures. The study reveals that little effort was channelled into raising awareness about monkeypox, especially as it involved using the indigenous language. The hospital focused mainly on hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, and smallpox by employing communication channels such as seminars, flyers and the media. The study also showed that a majority of the respondents (83%) were aware of monkeypox; however, only 20.4% were knowledgeable about the symptoms, mode of transmission and preventive measures for the disease. This study concludes that there is poor knowledge regarding monkeypox among Alimosho residents, despite them seeking information on the disease. Therefore, the study further recommends that indigenous languages should be adopted alongside the various communication channels used by the government as well as non-governmental organisations for orienting Alimosho residents about monkeypox and the right behavioural practices.