The Littoral region has been affected by cholera and covid-19 since January and March 2020 respectively. In response to cholera, M.A. SANTE supported the DRSP / L through the Start project which aimed to limit the community spread of cholera. In evaluating this project with the beneficiaries, we also assessed the knowledge of covid-19 in order to identify the intervention needs that could contribute to the fight against this pandemic in Cameroon.
We conducted a descriptive survey which targeted a sample of households having benefited from the Start project in the five health districts of the Littoral region who had notified cases of cholera since the beginning of 2020. Using ” a structured questionnaire, trained and supervised investigators collected data on the knowledge, attitudes and community practices of covid-19 one month after the confirmation of the first cases in Cameroon. The data have been analyzed by Epi Info 7 and essentially present the proportions of the respondents.
Of the 664 households that consented (94%), 649 (97.7%) had already heard of the new coronavirus, the three main sources of information being the neighborhood (319 (49.1%)), television (263 ( 40.5%)) and community relays (210 (32.3%)). Shaking hands was the best known method of transmission in 388 (58.8%) households, and almost 18% (120 respondents) did not know the symptoms or the methods of transmission. Almost 13% (82) did not know any barrier gestures and more than 16% did not know what to do in case of contact with a case. According to 244 respondents (37%), this disease can be treated, with Lemon-ginger, Chloroquine at home and other traditional treatment in 107 (43.8%), 77 (31.5%) and 62 (25 , 4%).
The coronavirus remains poorly understood in households in Cameroon a month after the confirmation of the first cases. Communication interventions using clear and simplified messages on barrier measures, symptoms, what to do in the event of a suspicious case and the fight against false information could significantly contribute to reducing the risk of community contamination of covid-19