Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the riverside population on preventive measures for waterborne diseases: case of the Mapela district, Masina commune, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Background: Water is an essential resource for human survival, yet anthropogenic activities contribute to its degradation, jeopardizing its availability and limiting its use for future generations. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Kinshasa, the degradation of aquatic environments poses a major public health threat, especially in riverside communities where waterborne diseases are endemic.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the riverside population of the Mapela district, Masina commune, Kinshasa, regarding preventive measures for waterborne diseases.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted from January 16 to April 16, 2026, among 230 respondents selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview questionnaire and focus group discussions. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests, Chi-square tests of independence, and Cramér's V, using SPSS 26.0 and Excel 2010 (α = 0.05).

Results: The population was predominantly female (65%), married (52%), with a mean age of 40 years. Only 1% had no education, 8% had primary education, 74% had secondary education, and 17% had university education. Individual preventive measures scored 38%, while collective preventive measures scored 42%, giving an overall mean of 40% well below the 50% acceptability threshold. Waste management practices were dominated by watercourse dumping (67%), followed by incineration (18%), burial (6%), and public road dumping (4%). The main health problems reported were malaria (39%), typhoid fever (18%), amoebiasis (8%), headaches (8%), cough (7%), colds (6%), vomiting (5%), ascariasis (5%), and stomach aches (4%). Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between education level and knowledge (p = 0.003), and between knowledge and waste management practices (p = 0.012). Identified CBRN risks included chemical risks (pesticides, heavy metals, hydrocarbons), biological risks (enteric pathogens, malaria vectors), and potential radiological risks (natural radionuclides in sediments).

Conclusion: The riverside population of Mapela has insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding waterborne disease prevention. Community sensitization, health education, and infrastructure improvement are urgently needed. The integration of a CBRN risk framework is essential for sustainable environmental management in Kinshasa.

Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, practices, waterborne diseases, Mapela, Masina, Kinshasa, CBRN risks, statistical analysis.

Received Date: August 17, 2026

Accepted Date: September 09, 2026

Published Date: October 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/1005