Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Prehypertension among the People Residing in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
Ossinga Bassandja *
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kayembe Tshilumba
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ngandu Wa Ngandu
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Atoba Bokele
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Jakwonga Moro
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kingombe Museme
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Issa Yakusu
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Komanda Likwekwe Isaac
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Osinga Bonyoma
Hygiene and Technical Support Office, Provincial Health Division, Tshopo Province, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ngandru Kiza
Hygiene and Technical Support Office, Provincial Health Division, Tshopo Province, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tshingombo Muyaya
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bena Kayembe
National Directorate for Control, Payroll and Management of Teaching and Administrative Staff in Educational Institutions, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Darabu Sakina
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kindu, Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ekili Molisho
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Wiyaka Etuka
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Omana Ndjadi
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Balimo Limbele
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Akuku Bambuse
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gelengi Mbongo
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bima Mopilangete
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kalaki Koposi
Kisangani Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Buse Molisho
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social, Administrative and Political Sciences, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Batina Agasa
Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmay, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Prehypertension (PHTN) is a public health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the population of Kisangani regarding this condition. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Kisangani from March 1 to December 31, 2024, involving 385 respondents. Respondents had to be consenting, aged 18 or older, and residents of Kisangani. The study used descriptive statistics (means, percentages) to describe the sample. More advanced analyses (logistic regression) were then conducted to identify factors associated with poor knowledge and practices. The results were expressed as odds ratios with a statistical significance threshold of p < 0.05. The results indicate that the population of Kisangani is unaware of PHTN, underestimates its dangers, and neglects preventive and follow-up behaviours. Factors associated with poor knowledge of PHTN were male gender [AOR: 2.4 (1.4-4.4); CI= 95%, p= 0.003], lack of formal education [AOR= 2.8 (1.4-5.5); CI= 95%, p= 0.003], and advanced age (over 60) [AOR: 1.7 (1.1-2.7); CI= 95%, p= 0.001], while those associated with poor attitudes and practices were limited perception of the severity of PHTA [AOR: 2.2 (1.2-3.8); CI= 95%, p= 0.001] and poor knowledge of PHTN [AOR: 3.5 (2.5-4.7); CI= 95%, p=< 0.001]. The level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Kisangani population regarding PHTN was generally insufficient. This study confirms that poor knowledge of PHTA is a major obstacle to its prevention and management in Kisangani. Targeted awareness campaigns are urgently needed to highlight the seriousness of this condition and promote healthy behaviours.
Keywords: Prehypertension, knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo