Publication:

Assessing people's perception of onchocerciasis control in forest and savannah areas of the Central African Republic in 2023: a cross-sectional analytical study

Background Onchocerciasis or river blindness is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial Onchocerca volvulus. People living in savannah and forest areas of Central African Republic (CAR) are exposed to onchocerciasis due to the increased presence of the transmissible agent. In order to achieve the objective of mass distribution of Ivermectin, the community must join in the fight against the disease.

Methods A multicentric KAP analytical study took place in two endemic sub-prefectures, one in the savannah zone and the other in the forest in the CAR. All persons aged 15 years and over who agreed to participate were included. Variables relate to community knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding onchocerciasis. Once variables were classified, logistic regression was used to establish the influence of knowledge and attitudes on practice.

Results Slightly more than ¾ of the respondents had primary or secondary education. Herders and farmers made up half of our respondents. Almost half of respondents had a good knowledge of the disease, its main clinical signs and mode of transmission. Around 80% of respondents had a favourable attitude towards onchocerciasis control. People with a satisfactory level of knowledge practised onchocerciasis control well (ORa=03.82, (2.33-5.41), p=0.001).

Conclusions Factors associated with a satisfactory level of knowledge were: age, gender and profession. Knowledge had no effect on attitude. However, it does have a positive effect on practice. The national onchocerciasis control programme needs to step up awareness of the disease.