scholarly journals Predictors of Non-Adherence to Public Health Instructions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Vol Volume 13 ◽  
pp. 1215-1221
Author(s):  
Michel Kabamba Nzaji ◽  
Guillaume Ngoie Mwamba ◽  
Judith Mbidi Miema ◽  
Elie Kilolo Ngoy Umba ◽  
Ignace Bwana Kangulu ◽  
...  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Khonde Kumbu ◽  
K. Mbanzulu Makola ◽  
Lu Bin

Background. Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in Democratic Republic of the Congo but estimates of its prevalence vary widely. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence ofSchistosoma mansoniinfection and associated risk factors among children in 4 health areas of Kisantu health zone.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 4 health areas of Kisantu health zone. 388 children randomly selected were screened forS. mansoniusing Kato Katz technique and the sociodemographic data was collected. Data were entered and encoded using software EpiData version 3.1. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 software.Results. The prevalence ofS. mansoniwas 26.5% (103); almost two-thirds (63) (61.2%) had light infection intensity. A significant association was found betweenS. mansoniinfection and age (p=0.005), educational level (p=0.001), and practices of swimming/bathing (p<0.001) and using water from river/lake/stream for domestic use (p<0.001). Kipasa health area had high prevalence of schistosomiasis (64.6%) (64/99; 95% CI 54.4–74.0) compared to other health areas.Conclusion.Schistosoma mansoniinfection still remains a public health problem in these areas. There is a need to promote health education and promote behavioral changes in children towards schistosomiasis.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1348
Author(s):  
Katherine M. Broadway ◽  
Kierstyn T. Schwartz-Watjen ◽  
Anna L. Swiatecka ◽  
Steven J. Hadeed ◽  
Akeisha N. Owens ◽  
...  

Epidemiological modeling and simulation can contribute cooperatively across multifaceted areas of biosurveillance systems. These efforts can be used to support real-time decision-making during public health emergencies and response operations. Robust epidemiological modeling and simulation tools are crucial to informing risk assessment, risk management, and other biosurveillance processes. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has sponsored the development of numerous modeling and decision support tools to address questions of operational relevance in response to emerging epidemics and pandemics. These tools were used during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This perspective discusses examples of the considerations DTRA has made when employing epidemiological modeling to inform on public health crises and highlights some of the key lessons learned. Future considerations for researchers developing epidemiological modeling tools to support biosurveillance and public health operations are recommended.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nsengi Y. Ntamabyaliro ◽  
Christian Burri ◽  
Didier B. Nzolo ◽  
Aline B. Engo ◽  
Yves N. Lula ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Mpulumba B ◽  
Mukendi K ◽  
Musasa K ◽  
Manongo B ◽  
Bambi N ◽  
...  

Background: The breast cancer represents a major problem of public health in Democratic Republic of the Congo. This study aims at assessing the knowledge about breast cancer and the practice of breast self-examination among schoolgirls, and to propose effective intervention measures to promote early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Mbujimayi.


mSphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. Higgins ◽  
Nicole A. Hoff ◽  
Adva Gadoth ◽  
Andrew Fusellier ◽  
Patrick Mukadi ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Here we describe baseline validation studies and field performance of a research-use-only chemiluminescent multiplex serology panel for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster virus used with dried blood spots in support of the 2013–2014 Democratic Republic of the Congo Demographic and Health Survey. Characterization of the panel using U.S. FDA-cleared commercial kits shows good concordance for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster with average sensitivity across assays of 94.9% and an average specificity of 91.4%. As expected, performance versus available standards validated for plaque-reduction assays does not provide a 1:1 correspondence with international units and yet demonstrates excellent linearity (average Hill’s slope = 1.02) and ∼4 logs of dynamic range. In addition, for the four assays, the multiplexed format allowed for inclusion of three positive and two negative controls for each sample. A prototype Dynex Multiplier chemiluminescent automated immunoassay instrument with a charge-coupled device camera provided a rugged and robust processing and data acquisition platform. Performance of a multiplex instrument for serological testing in a substantially resource-limited environment shows excellent reproducibility, minimal cross-reactivity, and a clear discrimination between specific assays and should be considered a viable option for future serosurveys. IMPORTANCE The critical evaluation of immunization programs is key to identifying areas of suboptimal vaccination coverage, monitoring activities, and aiding development of public health policy. For evaluation of vaccine effectiveness, direct antibody binding assay methods, including enzyme immunoassay, enzyme-linked fluorescence assays, and indirect immunofluorescence assay, are most commonly used for detection of IgG antibodies. However, despite their well-demonstrated, reliable performance, they can be labor-intensive and time-consuming and require separate assays for each individual marker. This necessitates increased sample volumes, processing time, and personnel, which may limit assessment to a few key targets in resource-limited settings, that is, low- and middle-income locations where funding for public health or general infrastructure that directly impacts public health is restricted, limiting access to equipment, infrastructure, and trained personnel. One solution is a multiplexed immunoassay, which allows for the detection of multiple analytes in a single reaction for increased efficiency and rapid surveillance of infectious diseases in limited-resource settings. Thus, the scope of the project precluded a full validation, and here we present abbreviated validation studies demonstrating adequate sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.


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