Eméline Zogning Makemjio1, Armand Tiotsia Tsapi2, Eric Défo Tamgno2, Ghyslaine Bruna Djeunang Dongho2, Georges Nguefack-Tsague3, Carla Montesano1, Vittorio Colizzi1, Gianluca Russo4, Martin Sanou Sobze5. 1. Department of Experimental Medicine and surgery, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 2. Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon. 3. Departement of Public Heath, Faculty of Medicine and biomedical sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon. 4. Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Public Health; University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy. 5. Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The pandemic situation the world is facing caused by the new SARS-Cov-2 continues to evolve and still represent a real problem. With more than eight thousand reported cases infection, Cameroon stands as the seventh most affected country in Africa. Prevention remains the best way to fight against this zoonosis. However, the limited information available about this infection is a great barrier to stopping the propagation of the virus within the population, especially in rural and semi-rural areas, where the lack of financial and material resources is a reality. This study aimed to assessing Awareness and attitudes of the population of the Menoua Division on COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to April 15 2020 amongst the populations of rural and semi-rural areas of the Menoua Division. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered face to face to each participant. The analysis was carried out using the Statistical Analysis System software (SAS version 9.4). The significance threshold was set at a P value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 434 participants of which male majority (sex ratio 1.07) were included in this study. The most represented age group was [21 - 40] years old representing 40.29% of the participants. Approximately all participants (98.57%) were aware of the world emergency state due to Coronavirus. 75.56%, 91% and 90.93% of the participants knew respectively that having close contacts, kissing and touching the face with the hands could favor the transmission of the virus. However, nearly 91.14% were not aware of the clinical symptoms of the disease. Moreover, 85.02% responded that they would not be able to comply with the confinement measures if they were applied at national level. The level of awareness varied significantly according to the occupation (p=0.038) and the educational level (p<0.001)of the participants. CONCLUSION: The average level of awareness of the population of the Menoua Division on COVID-19 infection was relatively low. Overcoming this pandemic disease means ensuring the flow of the correct information towards the population. Community outreach activities focus on clinical manifestations and what to do in case of COVID-19 infection as well as material and financial support should be help the population to protect themselves effectively against pandemic, particularly in rural areas and surrounding.
BACKGROUND: The pandemic situation the world is facing caused by the new SARS-Cov-2 continues to evolve and still represent a real problem. With more than eight thousand reported cases infection, Cameroon stands as the seventh most affected country in Africa. Prevention remains the best way to fight against this zoonosis. However, the limited information available about this infection is a great barrier to stopping the propagation of the virus within the population, especially in rural and semi-rural areas, where the lack of financial and material resources is a reality. This study aimed to assessing Awareness and attitudes of the population of the Menoua Division on COVID-19infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to April 15 2020 amongst the populations of rural and semi-rural areas of the Menoua Division. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered face to face to each participant. The analysis was carried out using the Statistical Analysis System software (SAS version 9.4). The significance threshold was set at a P value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 434 participants of which male majority (sex ratio 1.07) were included in this study. The most represented age group was [21 - 40] years old representing 40.29% of the participants. Approximately all participants (98.57%) were aware of the world emergency state due to Coronavirus. 75.56%, 91% and 90.93% of the participants knew respectively that having close contacts, kissing and touching the face with the hands could favor the transmission of the virus. However, nearly 91.14% were not aware of the clinical symptoms of the disease. Moreover, 85.02% responded that they would not be able to comply with the confinement measures if they were applied at national level. The level of awareness varied significantly according to the occupation (p=0.038) and the educational level (p<0.001)of the participants. CONCLUSION: The average level of awareness of the population of the Menoua Division on COVID-19infection was relatively low. Overcoming this pandemic disease means ensuring the flow of the correct information towards the population. Community outreach activities focus on clinical manifestations and what to do in case of COVID-19infection as well as material and financial support should be help the population to protect themselves effectively against pandemic, particularly in rural areas and surrounding.
Authors: Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo; Leonard Ngarka; Wepnyu Y Njamnshi; Leonard N Nfor; Michel K Mengnjo; Edwige L Mendo; Samuel A Angwafor; Jonas Guy Atchou Basseguin; Cyrille Nkouonlack; Edith N Njit; Nene Ahidjo; Eric Samuel Chokote; Fidèle Dema; Julius Y Fonsah; Godwin Y Tatah; Nancy Palmer; Paul F Seke Etet; Dennis Palmer; Dickson S Nsagha; Daniel E Etya'ale; Stephen Perrig; Roman Sztajzel; Jean-Marie Annoni; Anne-Cécile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek; Rose G F Leke; Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa Obama; John N Nkengasong; Robert Colebunders; Alfred K Njamnshi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-04 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: John D Ditekemena; Hypolite M Mavoko; Michael Obimpeh; Stijn Van Hees; Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo; Dalau M Nkamba; Antoinette Tshefu; Wim Van Damme; Jean Jacques Muyembe; Robert Colebunders Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-04 Impact factor: 3.390