Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population of Mbandaka (Equateur) regarding the fight against the Ebola virus disease, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the population of Mbandaka regarding the fight against Ebola Virus Disease. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among the local population. Respondents were selected according to whether they were in direct or indirect contact with a patient. An anonymous questionnaire was administered by direct interview. Data were analyzed using Excel. Results: A total of 50 people participated in the survey, 28 of them women (56%) and 22 men (44%). The average age was 38.7±10.6. Twenty-two were single (44%), twenty had secondary education (40%), forty-two spoke Lingala (84%), forty-five recognized that Ebola existed in Mbandaka (90%), fever and bloody diarrhea were the most frequently cited signs (92%), Vaccination is the most common measure to fight the spread of Ebola (96%), farmers and hunters are the most vulnerable (98%) and stigmatization was the most cited psychological problem. Conclusion: Good communication on the dangers of Ebola virus disease(EVD) would contribute to the improvement of their knowledge on this deadly epidemic and to the quality of the interventions of health care workers in the local population.