Household knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the management of health risks related to natural disasters in South Kivu, DR Congo

Abstract

Introduction : In many economically weak countries in Africa, South America and Asia, the adverse consequences of natural disasters on the health system and health risks threaten populations. The study seeks to understand the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of households/communities regarding the management of these risks in the province of South Kivu.

Materials and method: The study was a cross-sectional survey of 384 households per zone, i.e. 786 households in the Kalehe and Uvira health zones. The survey questionnaire and an interview grid were used to collect the data.

Results: The study revealed sufficient knowledge about the types of disasters and health risks, the types of risk reduction measures, the early warning system, guidelines for intervention in the event of health risks, knowledge of the risks through awareness-raising, and the existence of the impact of disasters on the health system; but household attitudes remained unfavourable (in the face of logistical, financial and material inability to care for victims who come to the health facility). Moreover, with weak practices in terms of preparing communities to manage health risks, the poor development of mechanisms for coordinating actions at local level, the virtual non-existence of an early warning system or policy, the non-existence of a contingency plan and the lack of materials in several health areas. Significant differences were observed in the Uvira and Kalehe health zones at all levels, p<0.05.

Conclusion : Health risks linked to natural disasters remain a major public health problem, and the involvement of all stakeholders and the implementation of innovative strategies are of vital importance in managing these risks.

Key words: Knowledge, attitudes and practices, health risk, natural disaster, Uvira and Kalehe health zones.