scholarly journals Spatial and epidemiological drivers of Plasmodium falciparum malaria among adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. e002316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Deutsch-Feldman ◽  
Nicholas F Brazeau ◽  
Jonathan B Parr ◽  
Kyaw L Thwai ◽  
Jeremie Muwonga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Bed Net ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

BackgroundAdults are frequently infected with malaria and may serve as a reservoir for further transmission, yet we know relatively little about risk factors for adult infections. In this study, we assessed malaria risk factors among adults using samples from the nationally representative, cross-sectional 2013–2014 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We further explored differences in risk factors by urbanicity.MethodsPlasmodium falciparum infection was determined by PCR. Covariates were drawn from the DHS to model individual, community and environmental-level risk factors for infection. Additionally, we used deep sequencing data to estimate the community-level proportions of drug-resistant infections and included these estimates as potential risk factors. All identified factors were assessed for differences in associations by urbanicity.ResultsA total of 16 126 adults were included. Overall prevalence of malaria was 30.3% (SE=1.1) by PCR; province-level prevalence ranged from 6.7% to 58.3%. Only 17% of individuals lived in households with at least one bed-net for every two people, as recommended by the WHO. Protective factors included increasing within-household bed-net coverage (Prevalence Ratio=0.85, 95% CI=0.76–0.95) and modern housing (PR=0.58, 95% CI=0.49–0.69). Community-level protective factors included increased median wealth (PR=0.87, 95% CI=0.83–0.92). Education, wealth, and modern housing showed protective associations in cities but not in rural areas.ConclusionsThe DRC continues to suffer from a high burden of malaria; interventions that target high-risk groups and sustained investment in malaria control are sorely needed. Areas of high prevalence should be prioritised for interventions to target the largest reservoirs for further transmission.

scholarly journals Spatial and epidemiological drivers of P. falciparum malaria among adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Deutsch-Feldman ◽  
Nicholas F. Brazeau ◽  
Jonathan B. Parr ◽  
Kyaw L. Thwai ◽  
Jérémie Muwonga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractBackgroundMalaria remains a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Adults are frequently infected and may serve as a reservoir for further transmission, yet we know relatively little about risk factors for adult infections. In this study, we assessed malaria risk factors amongst adults using samples from the nationally representative, cross-sectional 2013-2014 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We further explored differences in risk factors by urbanicity.MethodsPlasmodium falciparum infection was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Covariates were drawn from the DHS to model individual, community, and environmental level risk factors for infection. Additionally, we used deep sequencing data to estimate the community-level proportions of drug resistant infections and included these estimates as potential risk factors. All identified factors were assessed for differences in associations by urbanicity.ResultsA total of 16,126 adults were included. Overall prevalence of malaria was 30.3% (SE = 1.1) by PCR; province-level prevalence ranged from 6.7-58.3%. Only 17% of individuals lived in households with at least one bednet for every two people, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Protective factors included increasing within-household bednet coverage (PR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76 - 0.95) and modern housing (PR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.49 - 0.69). Community level protective factors included: increased average education and wealth (PR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65-0.91; PR - 0.84, 95% CI = 0.80 - 0.89). Education, wealth, and modern housing showed protective associations in cities but not in rural areas.ConclusionsThe DRC continues to suffer from a high burden of malaria; interventions that target high-risk groups and sustained investment in malaria control are sorely needed. Differences in risk factors by urbanicity may be due to differences in transmission intensity or access to resources.

scholarly journals Household prevalence of P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2013-2014

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cedar L Mitchell ◽  
Hillary M Topazian ◽  
Nicholas F Brazeau ◽  
Molly Deutsch-Feldman ◽  
Jeremie Muwonga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

Abstract In a cross-sectional molecular study in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 78% of households had at least one member infected with Plasmodium falciparum, vivax, and/or ovale spp. 47% of children and 33% of adults tested positive for at least one species. Risk factors varied by species and age group.

scholarly journals Revisiting Konzo Risk Factors in Three Areas Differently Affected by Spastic Paraparesis in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Discloses a Prominent Role of the Nutritional Status—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2628
Author(s):  
Marius Baguma ◽  
Espoir Bwenge Malembaka ◽  
Esto Bahizire ◽  
Germain Zabaday Mudumbi ◽  
Dieudonné Bahati Shamamba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cyanide Poisoning ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to better understand the respective contributions of protein malnutrition and cassava-derived cyanide poisoning in the development of konzo. We compared data on nutritional status and cyanide exposure of school-age adolescent konzo-diseased patients to those of non-konzo subjects of similar age from three areas in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our results show that konzo patients had a high prevalence of both wasting (54.5%) and stunting (72.7%), as well as of cyanide poisoning (81.8%). Controls from Burhinyi and those from Idjwi showed a similar profile with a low prevalence of wasting (3.3% and 6.5%, respectively) and intermediate prevalence of stunting (26.7% and 23.9%, respectively). They both had a high prevalence of cyanide poisoning (50.0% and 63.0%, respectively), similar to konzo-patients. On the other hand, controls from Bukavu showed the lowest prevalence of both risk factors, namely chronic malnutrition (12.1%) and cyanide poisoning (27.6%). In conclusion, cassava-derived cyanide poisoning does not necessarily coexist with konzo outbreaks. The only factor differentiating konzo patients from healthy individuals exposed to cyanide poisoning appeared to be their worse nutritional status. This further suggests that, besides the known role of cyanide poisoning in the pathogenesis of konzo, malnutrition may be a key factor for the disease occurrence.

scholarly journals Epidemio-therapeutic Survey on Malnourished Children Aged 0-5 Years Old in the Gbado-Lite Health Zone (Nord Ubangi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua ◽  
Guy Kumbali Ngambika ◽  
Blaise Mbembo-wa-Mbembo ◽  
Ruphin Djolu DJoza ◽  
Gédéon Ngiala Bongo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Malnourished Children ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Health Zone ◽  
Sub Saharan

Child malnutrition is one cause of death worldwide, but the greatest burden is borne by African countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo, despite its wealth of biodiversity, is confronted with this phenomenon which seriously hinders its development. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in The Nord Ubangi Province from 01 to 31 December 2016 on a population of 133 malnourished children aged 0 to 5. The results show that the 2 to 3 year old age group (25-36 months) was the most affected by malnutrition. The most affected children were male, at 52.63%. Most of these children, 24.8%, resided in rural areas around Gbadolite. The majority of their parents, 61.6%, was farmers or only engaged in housework. 78.9% of respondents had edema in their bodies, and 91.7% did not meet the appetite test. These children were subjected to antibacterial treatment outside of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (ATPE). After this treatment, the cure rate was satisfactory at 73.6%.

scholarly journals Vaccination Dropout Rates Among Children Aged 12-23 Months in the Urban-Rural Health District of Mont Ngafula II, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry-César Kayembe-Ntumba ◽  
Felly Vangola ◽  
Papy Ansobi ◽  
Eric Bokabo ◽  
Bien-Aimé Mandja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Dropout Rates ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reminder System ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

Abstract Background: Globally, 1.8 million children failed to receive the 3-dose diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) series every year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Currently, an emergency plan targeting 9 provinces, including the capital of Kinshasa, is launched to reinforce routine immunization. The Mont Ngafula II health district (HD) was the only one to report high vaccination dropout rates over almost five consecutive years. This study aimed to assess issues within the local dynamic system of vaccination services and identify associated risk factors among children aged 12-23 months. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 418 children in June-July 2019 using a two-stage sampling design. Socio-demographic and perception data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The distribution of 2017-2018 immunization coverage and dropout rate was extracted from local authority of HD and mapped. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of high vaccination dropout. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Of 14 health areas included in the Mont Ngafula II HD, four reported high vaccine coverage, only one recorded low vaccine coverage and three registered both low vaccine coverage and high dropout rate. Multivariate logistic regression showed the predictors of immunization dropout as follows: no possession of immunization card (aOR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.25-4.93; p = 0.010), living in rural areas (aOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.02-2.32; p = 0.042), unavailability of seating places (aOR = 7.10; 95% CI = 1.39-36.27; p = 0.019), no respect of the order of arrival (aOR = 3.88; 95% CI = 1.48-10.16; p = 0.006) during vaccination in health facilities, and the lack of a reminder system on days before the scheduled vaccination (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.43-3.32; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The poor utilization of immunization services seemed as the main health concern followed by the poor access. Residing in rural areas, no immunization card possession, absence of seating places, no respect of the order of arrival, and the lack of a reminder system were the predictors of vaccination dropout rates. These results advocate for prioritizing targeted interventions and programs that will strengthen interpersonal communication between vaccination service providers and users during vaccination in health facilities as well as implement and extend a reminder system using SMS reminders on days before the scheduled vaccination.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors of depression symptoms among rural and urban populations affected by Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e053375
Author(s):  
Jude Mary Cénat ◽  
Pari-Gole Noorishad ◽  
Rose Darly Dalexis ◽  
Cécile Rousseau ◽  
Daniel Derivois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

ObjectivesHigh mortality rates, anxiety and distress associated with Ebola virus disease (EVD) are risk factors for mood disorders in affected communities. This study aims to document the prevalence and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms among a representative sample of individuals affected by EVD.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe current study was conducted 7 months (March 11, 2019 to April 23, 2019) after the end of the ninth outbreak of EVD in the province of Equateur in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).ParticipantsA large population-based sample of 1614 adults (50% women, Mage=34.05; SD=12.55) in health zones affected by the ninth outbreak in DRC.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants completed questionnaires assessing EVD exposure level, stigmatisation related to EVD and depressive symptoms. The ORs associated with sociodemographic data, EVD exposure level and stigmatisation were analysed through logistic regressions.ResultsOverall, 62.03% (95% CI 59.66% to 64.40%) of individuals living in areas affected by EVD were categorised as having severe depressive symptoms. The multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that adults in the two higher score categories of exposure to EVD were at two times higher risk of developing severe depressive symptoms (respectively, OR 1.94 (95% CI 1.22 to 3.09); OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.26 to 4.34)). Individuals in the two higher categories of stigmatisation were two to four times more at risk (respectively, OR 2.42 (95% CI 1.53 to 3.83); OR 4.73 (95% CI 2.34 to 9.56)). Living in rural areas (OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.38)) and being unemployed (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.93)) increased the likelihood of having severe depressive symptoms.ConclusionsResults indicate that depressive symptoms in EVD affected populations is a major public health problem that must be addressed through culturally adapted mental health programs.

Individual, household and neighborhood risk factors for malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo support new approaches to programmatic intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 70 ◽  
pp. 102581
Author(s):  
Margaret Carrel ◽  
Seungwon Kim ◽  
Melchior Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa ◽  
Nono Mvuama ◽  
Joseph A. Bala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
Neighborhood Risk ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Individual Household

scholarly journals Analytical Performance of the Exacto Test HIV Self-Test: A Cross-Sectional Field Study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Tonen-Wolyec ◽  
Jérémie Muwonga Masidi ◽  
Luc Ferdinand Kamanga Lukusa ◽  
Gaetan Nsiku Dikumbwa ◽  
Angèle Sarassoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Analytical Performance ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Excellent Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Performance Sensitivity ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Self Test

Abstract The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has begun implementing HIV self-testing to boost the first “95” of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2025. This study aims to assess the performance and usability of the Exacto Test HIV (Biosynex, Strasbourg, France) self-test in the lab and in the field. The Exacto Test HIV self-test demonstrated high virological performance (sensitivity, 99.6%; specificity, 100%) in the lab and in the field in the hand of untrained users (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 98.9%). Taken together, the excellent performance and usability characteristics of the Exacto Test HIV (Biosynex) self-test make the kit a viable option for HIV self-testing in the DRC.

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