Knowledge, attitudes and practices among the population, towards COVID-19 in the Lubumbashi city (DR Congo): An online cross-sectional survey

Manya Mboni Henry 1, *, Mutombo Shakalenga Cedrick 1, Bashige Chiribagula Valentin 1, Nzuzi Mavungu Gaël 2, Kabamba Tshikongo Arsène 3, Mutombo Mulangu Augustin 4, Kibwe Mwenya Cynthia 1, Moke Mwindu Osé 1, Nkwanga Jean-Claude 1, Nsumbu Nzuki Trésor 1, Bakari Amuri Salvius 1, Kahumba Byanga Joh 1 and Lumbu Simbi Jean-Baptiste 5

1 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lubumbashi, B.P. 1825 Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
2 Department of Pre-Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, B.P. 1825, Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
3 Department of Clinical biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lubumbashi, B.P. 1825 Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
4 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, B.P. 1825, Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
5 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lubumbashi, B.P. 1825, Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2021, 05(03), 001-018.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2021.5.3.0016
Publication history: 
Received on 20 February 2021; revised on 26 February 2021; accepted on 01 March 2021
 
Abstract: 
A survey was conducted online from December 30, 2020 to January 21, 2021, among the population of Lubumbashi city, to assess Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. The resource persons were self-selected at random, to have freely accepted to answer the online questionnaire. A total of 487 people (50.7% of women), with an average age of 28.3 ± 7.7 years, were interviewed. Overall, 98.2% said they were aware of COVID-19. This knowledge comes from several sources dominated by television (42.7%). Several respondents (71.9%) admitted to being afraid of human-to-human transmission of COVID-19; while 72.1% hope that this disease will stop one day. Protective practices against COVID-19 contamination are dominated by wearing a surgical mask, social distancing and hand washing (66.9%). Self-medication either with medicinal plants or with conventional drugs are the most recommended practices by the questioned people, in case of symptoms related to COVID-19 (70.6%). Most medicinal plants [predominated by Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (45.9%, n = 344)] and conventional drugs [predominantly aspirin (41.5%; n = 41)], cited in this case, are reported in various studies as being used in the management of patients with COVID-19. In general, the KAPs observed vary considerably according to the gender and study level of the questioned people. The level of knowledge about COVID-19 among the population of Lubumbashi seems satisfactory and its management acceptable. Practices to control the COVID-19 symptom are predominated by the use of both conventional and non-conventional medicine. However, sensitization of the population of Lubumbashi for a better knowledge and adequate management of this virus is desirable.
 
Keywords: 
COVID-19; Knowledge; Practices; Self-medication; Lubumbashi; DR Congo
 
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Copyright © 2021 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0