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

Ditekemena, John; Mavoko, Hypolite Muhindo; Obimpeh, Michael; Hees, Stijn Van; Fodjo, Joseph Nelson Siewe; Nkamba, Dalau Mukadi; Tshefu, Antoinette; Damme, Wim Van; Muyembe, Jean Jacques; Colebunders, Robert

doi:10.3390/ijerph18052525

Cited by 20 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…This was 99.5% in Vietnam [ 38 ] and 95.0% in the United Arab Emirates [ 39 ]. At the same time, only 62.8% of the medical students surveyed in Poland wore face masks [ 36 ], 71% in Pakistan [ 40 ], 69% in Congo [ 9 ], and 58.1% in Nigeria [ 41 ]. Some researchers did not evaluate the respondents’ wearing of masks, but rather their knowledge that a mask should be worn.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…et al [ 46 ], only 6.8% of students wash their face masks on a daily basis. A properly treated cloth face mask can be just as effective as a medical mask, but according to WHO recommendations, it is recommended to wash cloth face masks using soap or detergent in hot water (at least 60 °C) at least once a day [ 9 ]. The low percentage of students properly following the WHO recommendations may be due to an underestimation of the personal danger, as well as incompetence in these matters.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Transmission of the pathogen from the source occurs mainly through airborne droplets [ 1 , 6 ]. Therefore, among nonspecific preventive measures, the use of face masks has assumed the leading spot as the most easily implemented measure of individual protection (in comparison with social distancing) [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. This measure is recognized by the World Health Organization as effective [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Pakistani researchers, the motivations for wearing face masks are “attitude, social norms, risk perceptions of the pandemic, and perceived benefits of face masks are the major influencing factors positively affect public willingness to wear face masks, whereas the cost of face masks and unavailability of face masks tend to have opposite effects” [ 14 ]. Compliance with preventive measures by the population, and the wearing of masks in particular, is also influenced by factors such as the region of residence (rural or urban area), housing conditions, sector of employment and education level, age, and income level [ 9 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. American scientists have identified a high risk of COVID-19 infection for all segments of the population.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Shashina

Makarova

Shcherbakov

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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The use of face masks has assumed a leading spot among nonspecific prevention measures during the coronavirus pandemic. The effectiveness of this protective measure depends on the specifics of individual use. The purpose of our study was to analyze the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation of face mask use was based on the results of a survey of medical students at Sechenov University. There were 988 participants in the study: 97.5% used RPE during the pandemic, 89.1% used disposable medical and hygienic face masks, 27.4% used reusable cloth face masks, and 13.2% used respirators. The majority of respondents (75.2%) were found to wear face masks correctly. However, 17.0% of the respondents were found to cover only their mouths with a face mask, while 7.8% reported often shifting their face mask under the chin due to perceived discomfort. Only 25.1% of respondents changed their disposable face mask after 2-3 h of wearing, while 13.0% decontaminated and used it several times. Most cloth face mask users (93.7%) decontaminated their marks, but only 55.7% of respondents did so daily. Face masks were most often worn in medical organizations (91.5%), and 1.4% of respondents did not use respiratory protection anywhere. In conclusion, we consider it necessary to introduce a special module on nonspecific prevention in the discipline of hygiene.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Shashina

Makarova

Shcherbakov

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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“…Results showed only moderate adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Despite physical distancing often not being respected, face mask use was only 41.4% during the first survey and 69% during the second survey [ 24 ]. For the current analysis, only responses to questions asked about IPV during the second survey were included.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intimate Partners Violence against Women during a COVID-19 Lockdown Period: Results of an Online Survey in 7 Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Ditekemena

Luhata

Mavoko

et al. 2021

IJERPH

Self Cite

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Intimate Partners’ Violence (IPV) is a public health problem with long-lasting mental and physical health consequences for victims and their families. As evidence has been increasing that COVID-19 lockdown measures may exacerbate IPV, our study sought to describe the magnitude of IPV in women and identify associated determinants. An online survey was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 24 August to 8 September 2020. Of the 4160 respondents, 2002 eligible women were included in the data analysis. Their mean age was 36.3 (SD: 8.2). Most women (65.8%) were younger than 40 years old. Prevalence of any form of IPV was 11.7%. Being in the 30–39 and >50 years’ age groups (OR = 0.66, CI: 0.46–0.95; p = 0.026 and OR = 0.23, CI: 0.11–048; p < 0.001, respectively), living in urban setting (OR = 0.63, CI: 0.41–0.99; p = 0.047), and belonging to the middle socioeconomic class (OR = 0.48, CI: 0.29–0.79; p = 0.003) significantly decreased the odds for experiencing IPV. Lower socioeconomic status (OR = 1.84, CI: 1.04–3.24; p = 0.035) and being pregnant (OR = 1.63, CI: 1.16–2.29; p = 0.005) or uncertain of pregnancy status (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.17–3.44; p = 0.011) significantly increased the odds for reporting IPV. Additional qualitative research is needed to identify the underlying reasons and mechanisms of IPV in order to develop and implement prevention interventions.

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COVID‐19 calls for health systems strengthening in Africa: A case of Nigeria

Elebesunu

Oke²,

Adebisi

et al. 2021

Health Planning & Management

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The COVID‐19 pandemic has proven the need for countries worldwide to implement strategies that promote health systems strengthening and ensure epidemic preparedness. Many African countries are burdened by fragile healthcare systems, hence, this paper emphasises the need for African policymakers to improve healthcare quality in their countries. Through a brief review of various online literatures concerning health systems strengthening in Africa, this paper focuses on the nature of healthcare in Nigeria amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic. The major stress areas include COVID‐19 testing capacity, health workforce, infection prevention and control, health information and surveillance systems, health insurance, public‐private partnerships, and governance. The COVID‐19 pandemic has amplified several challenges ravaging Africa's already fragile healthcare systems, leaving the health sectors of most African countries ill‐prepared to deal with the pandemic. If Nigeria and many other African countries had invested sufficiently in strengthening their healthcare systems prior to COVID‐19, their pandemic response efforts would have been more effective. Health systems strengthening is necessary to ensure steady progress toward universal health coverage and global health security. Through health systems strengthening, Nigeria and other African countries can greatly improve their infection prevention and control measures.

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

Cited by 20 publications

References 23 publications

Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Intimate Partners Violence against Women during a COVID-19 Lockdown Period: Results of an Online Survey in 7 Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo

COVID‐19 calls for health systems strengthening in Africa: A case of Nigeria

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