Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C viruses among the population of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors
- ARSENE AKT KABAMBA 1
- Henry Manya 2
- Cedrick Mutombo 2
- Christian Kasongo 2
- Christian CK Kakisingi 3
- Serge Matanda 4
- Augustin Mutombo 4
- Claude CM Mwamba 3
- Arthur Ngulu Nsasi 5
- Benoit BK KABAMBA 6
- Albert AL Longanga 7
aClinical Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi-DRC. bCenter of excellence and expertise for viral hepatitis and other pathologies, Lubumbashi-DRC. cLaboratory of Pharmacognosy and natural substances, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi-DRC. dFaculty of Medicine, Université de Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi-DRC. e Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales of Uvira, Uvira-DRC fFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi-DRC. g Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pole of Microbiology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract
Background
Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection remains significant public health problem worldwide. Unfortunately, the Democratic Republic of Congo is in an area of high endemicity, and its population remains poorly informed about these viral infections. Therefore, this study aims to determine Lubumbashi's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HBV and HCV.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study from March to August 2022 in Lubumbashi. A total of 704 participants were enrolled. We targeted all people of both sexes and ages. The participants' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was assessed using online and printed or paper questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results
Of the 704 participants, 70.9% had poor knowledge of viral hepatitis B and C, whereas 28.6% had terrible attitudes towards these infections and preferred to consult traditional healers instead of going to the hospital. A minority of the participants (12.2%) had good practices, those as being screened regularly to exclude any possible infection and being willing to be vaccinated depending on the availability of the HBV vaccine. Most participants (69.2%) needed to be aware of drugs that could effectively treat these infections.
Conclusion
Knowledge and practice about HBV and HCV in the Congolese population living in Lubumbashi have proven wrong. Similarly, the attitudes of the people towards these infections were negative. Therefore, an extensive health education program should be given to increase the awareness of this part of the Congolese population about HBV and HCV infection to provide better care.
Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection remains significant public health problem worldwide. Unfortunately, the Democratic Republic of Congo is in an area of high endemicity, and its population remains poorly informed about these viral infections. Therefore, this study aims to determine Lubumbashi's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HBV and HCV.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study from March to August 2022 in Lubumbashi. A total of 704 participants were enrolled. We targeted all people of both sexes and ages. The participants' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was assessed using online and printed or paper questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results
Of the 704 participants, 70.9% had poor knowledge of viral hepatitis B and C, whereas 28.6% had terrible attitudes towards these infections and preferred to consult traditional healers instead of going to the hospital. A minority of the participants (12.2%) had good practices, those as being screened regularly to exclude any possible infection and being willing to be vaccinated depending on the availability of the HBV vaccine. Most participants (69.2%) needed to be aware of drugs that could effectively treat these infections.
Conclusion
Knowledge and practice about HBV and HCV in the Congolese population living in Lubumbashi have proven wrong. Similarly, the attitudes of the people towards these infections were negative. Therefore, an extensive health education program should be given to increase the awareness of this part of the Congolese population about HBV and HCV infection to provide better care.
Comments