Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Context: The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is taking a heavy toll on individuals, families, communities and societies around the world. The objectives assigned in this study were to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population on the correct wearing of masks against COVID-19 in Lubumbashi. Methods: With a qualitative mixed method and quantitative, to achieve these objectives, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study during a period from February 22 to September 30, 2021. Our study population consisted of the habitats of the Kenya Commune. For the collection of data we used the phenomenological approach of a workforce of 32 respondents whose structure is based on the direct analysis of the experience lived by a subject and a sample of 422 inhabitants for the free interview using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: For the quantitative part, on this sample of 422 inhabitants, we found that 100% knew the signs of COVID-19, the main sources of information were television with 78.9% and radio 44.7%. The signs of the disease most listed by the respondents were: dry cough (100%), intense fever (100%), difficulty breathing (57.5%) and asthenia (19.2%). Nearly 78.9% of respondents had a handwashing device in their households, the barrier gestures against COVID-19 listed by respondents were: wearing a mask (100%), social distancing (76.3%), hydro-alcoholic friction (62.0%), hand washing with soap (24.4%) and confinement (8.0%) and not fucking each other (5.2%). The circumstances where they could wear the mask are: in public transport, at the shopping center, in pedestrian traffic jams, at school or university and at the service. The observation revealed that less than 10% wore the mask correctly and 21.1% of the respondents tolerated wearing the mask all day long, for reasons such as: respiratory discomfort (74.9%). Only 38.4% of respondents considered COVID-19 to be a real disease, the others thought that a demonic disease, God's punishment for humans and an imaginary disease. 22.7% of respondents wanted to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the reasons given against vaccination were: fear of a deadly vaccine (43.9%), lack of confidence in vaccines produced in haste (56.1%). For the qualitative part, after obtaining the saturation, the results were summarized on these answers: Mrs. G. I think it is a disease manufactured to destroy the economy of the poorest of which I do not even trust to these vaccines. Mr. M I have never seen a case of death from this disease from which I do not believe in all barrier measures, particularly the wearing of a mask which suffocates. Mr. W. The disease exists, but the problem is the magnitude does not correspond to the reality on the ground. Conclusion: The correct wearing of masks remains a concern in the city of Lubumbashi, particularly in the commune of Kenya, despite the efforts of the political-administrative and health authorities, many are those who continue to persist in respecting barrier measures, in particular the correct wearing of masks. The results of our study show that the population does not apply the correct wearing of masks. Health authorities should find lasting solutions to this situation. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude and practices, wearing a mask, COVID-19.

Biography

Mbutshu Lukuke Hendrick completed his doctorate at the age of 47 years at Lubumbashi University, where he is a Professor of hospital hygiene at the Public Health School of the same university. He has published more than 25 articles in Pan Pan- Africans, European and American journals.