Dataset Information

Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Results of Two Consecutive Online Surveys.

ABSTRACT: Adherence to preventive measures is essential to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Two online surveys were conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 23 April to 8 June 2020, and from August 24th to September 8th, respectively. A total of 3268 (round 1) and 4160 (round 2) participants were included. In both surveys, there was a moderate level of adherence to regular handwashing (85% and 77%, respectively), wearing of facemasks (41.4% and 69%, respectively), and respecting physical distancing (58% and 43.4%, respectively). The second survey found that, working in private (OR = 2.31, CI: 1.66-3.22; p < 0.001) and public organizations (OR = 1.61, CI: 1.04-2.49; p = 0.032) and being a healthcare worker (OR = 2.19, CI: 1.57-3.05; p < 0.001) significantly increased the odds for better adherence. However, a unit increase in age (OR = 0.99, CI: 0.98-0.99; p < 0.026), having attained lower education levels (OR = 0.60, CI: 0.46-0.78; p < 0.001), living in a room (OR = 0.36, CI: 0.15-0.89; p = 0.027), living in a studio (OR = 0.26, CI: 0.11-0.61; p = 0.002) and apartment (OR = 0.29, CI: 0.10-0.82; p = 0.019) significantly decreased the odds for better adherence. We recommend a multi-sectorial approach to monitor and respond to the pandemic threat. While physical distancing may be difficult in Africa, it should be possible to increase the use of facemasks.

SUBMITTER: Ditekemena JD

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7967309 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Results of Two Consecutive Online Surveys.

Ditekemena John D JD Mavoko Hypolite M HM Obimpeh Michael M Van Hees Stijn S Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson JN Nkamba Dalau M DM Tshefu Antoinette A Van Damme Wim W Muyembe Jean Jacques JJ Colebunders Robert R

International journal of environmental research and public health 20210304 5

Adherence to preventive measures is essential to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Two online surveys were conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 23 April to 8 June 2020, and from August 24th to September 8th, respectively. A total of 3268 (round 1) and 4160 (round 2) participants were included. In both surveys, there was a moderate level of adherence to regular handwashing (85% and 77%, respectively), wearing of facemasks (41.4% and 69%, respectively), and respecti ...[more]

PMID: 33806286

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Project description:ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to identify factors associated with non-adherence.DesignA cross-sectional population-based online survey.SettingsThe study was conducted in 22 provinces of the DRC. Five provinces with a satisfactory number of respondents were included in the analysis: Haut Katanga, Kasaï-Central, Kasaï-Oriental, Kinshasa and North Kivu.ParticipantsThe participants were people aged ≥18 years, living in the DRC. A total of 3268 participants were included in the study analysis.InterventionsBoth convenience sampling (surveyors themselves contacted potential participants in different districts) and snowball sampling (the participants were requested to share the link of the questionnaire with their contacts) methods were used.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe computed adherence scores using responses to 10 questions concerning COVID-19 preventive measures recommended by the WHO and the DRC Ministry of Health. We used logistic regression analysis with generalised estimating equations to identify factors of poor adherence. We also asked about the presence or absence of flu-like symptoms during the preceding 14 days, whether a COVID-19 test was done and the test result.ResultsData from 3268 participants were analysed. Face masks were not used by 1789 (54.7%) participants. Non-adherence to physical distancing was reported by 1364 (41.7%) participants. 501 (15.3%) participants did not observe regular handwashing. Five variables were associated with poor adherence: lower education level, living with other people at home, being jobless/students, living with a partner and not being a healthcare worker.ConclusionDespite compulsory restrictions imposed by the government, only about half of the respondents adhered to COVID-19 preventive measures in the DRC. Disparities across the provinces are remarkable. There is an urgent need to further explore the reasons for these disparities and factors associated with non-adherence.

Dataset Information

Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Results of Two Consecutive Online Surveys.

Publications

Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Results of Two Consecutive Online Surveys.

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