Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article

Determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for COVID-19 infection in Goma, DRC

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Bivariate and multivariate analyses
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Submitted   Oct 9, 2022
Published   Dec 21, 2022
Issue    Vol 6 (2023)
DOI   10.25082/AHB.2023.01.001

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Willy Missumba Kakozi
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Barry Katembo
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Pierrot Mazirane
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Patricia Mishika Lukusa
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edo Baluntu
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Espérance Makombe
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Claudine Munyatwari Bahire
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Justin Murabazi
School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Olivier Mukuku corresponding author
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Zacharie Kibendelwa Tsongo
[1] School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo; [2] Faculty of Medicine, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama
[1] School of Public Health, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo; [2] Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Purpose: In view of the resurgence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the North Kivu province, particularly in Goma city, the epicenter of the disease, it is necessary to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the population of Goma city on COVID-19 infection.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 15 to August 15, 2021. A 3-degree cluster survey was conducted in Goma city, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed by the STATA 15 software.
Results: 1,194 individuals responded to the survey and had heard of COVID-19; 74.62% of the respondents had good knowledge, 77.39% had a positive attitude, and 45.48% practiced preventive measures against COVID-19. Determinants of good knowledge were the age groups 30-39 years and 40-49 years, secondary and higher/university educational levels, and not having suffered from COVID-19. Determinants of positive attitude were female sex, having a professional occupation, having a family member or close relative who had suffered from COVID-19, and living in the Karisimbi municipality. Determinants of better practice were female sex, secondary and higher/university educational levels, not having a professional occupation, and having a family member or close relative who had suffered from COVID-19.
Conclusion: To effectively control this epidemic, it is essential to strengthening risk communication with full community participation. This strategy must be coupled with measures to make prevention methods available to the benefit of the entire population.

Keywords
knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes towards COVID-19, COVID-19 preventive practices, Goma

Article Details

How to Cite
Kakozi, W. M., Katembo, B., Mazirane, P., Lukusa, P. M., Baluntu, E., Makombe, E., Bahire, C. M., Murabazi, J., Mukuku, O., Tsongo, Z. K., & Wembonyama, S. O. (2022). Determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for COVID-19 infection in Goma, DRC. Advances in Health and Behavior, 6, 242-252. https://doi.org/10.25082/AHB.2023.01.001
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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