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. 2022 Sep 26;10(4):69.
doi: 10.3390/diseases10040069.

Communities' Perception, Knowledge, and Practices Related to Human African Trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Charlie Kabanga  1 , Olaf Valverde Mordt  2 , Florent Mbo  3 , Medard Mbondo  4 , Donatien Olela  5 , Rinelle Etinkum  6 , Dieudonne Nkaji  7 , Bienvenu Mukoso  7 , Lubanza Mananasi  7
Affiliations

Communities' Perception, Knowledge, and Practices Related to Human African Trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Charlie Kabanga et al. Diseases. .

Abstract

Background: The number of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has significantly reduced, thanks to more effective drugs and screening tools and regular mass screening. However, this potentially jeopardizes HAT control activities, especially community engagement.

Methods: We used an ecological model framework to understand how various factors shape communities' knowledge, perceptions, and behavior in this low endemicity context. Community members, frontline health providers, and policymakers were consulted using an ethnographic approach.

Results: Communities in endemic areas are knowledgeable about causes, symptoms, and treatment of HAT, but this was more limited among young people. Few are aware of new HAT treatment or screening techniques. Participation in mass screening has declined due to many factors including fear and a lack of urgency, given the low numbers of cases. Delays in seeking medical care are due to confusion of HAT symptoms with those of other diseases and belief that HAT is caused by witchcraft.

Conclusions: Community members see their role more in terms of vector control than participation in screening, referral, or accepting treatment. We propose recommendations for achieving sustainable community engagement, including development of an information and communication strategy and empowerment of communities to take greater ownership of HAT control activities.

Keywords: HAT; community; control; knowledge; participation; screening; social; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of HAT prevalence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Source = PNLTHA DRC).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Map of the health zones studied. (Source = PNLTHA DRC).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Factors influencing HAT related behaviors: Socio-ecological model. Adapted from Grandner, M. A. (2019) [27].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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