Strengthening community involvement in awareness-raising activities to combat M-pox in Mbandaka, Equateur, DRC

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyse strategies for strengthening community involvement in promotional activities to combat Mpox in Mbandaka (Democratic Republic of the Congo), to identify factors associated with community participation, and to formulate operational recommendations for effective mobilisation.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and October 2025 among 384 adults aged 18 years or older, residing in the Mbandaka health zone. Quota sampling (age, sex, occupation) was used. The sample size was calculated using Dagnelie’s formula (n = 384). A structured, pre-tested and validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.85) was used for data collection. Descriptive (univariate), bivariate (Chi-square test) and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Participation in Mpox awareness-raising activities was high (78.9%). Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between participation and awareness of Mpox (p = 0.012), the use of healthcare workers as a source of information (p = 0.008), the involvement of community health workers (p = 0.004) and higher educational attainment (p = 0.031). In logistic regression, the factors independently associated with higher participation were: good awareness of Mpox (ORa = 2.94; 95% CI: 1.28–6.75; p = 0.011), reliance on health workers (ORa = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.18–4.52; p = 0.015) and the involvement of community advocates (ORa = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.35–6.18; p = 0.006). Perception of the severity of the disease was not significantly associated with participation (p = 0.342).

Conclusion: Community mobilisation, the dissemination of information by health workers and the engagement of community health workers are key drivers for strengthening adherence to Mpox prevention activities. Health authorities should invest in training local stakeholders and promote interpersonal communication to increase the effectiveness of interventions.

Keywords: community involvement, Mpox, awareness-raising, participation, Mbandaka, DRC.

Received Date: February 22, 2026

Accepted Date: March 14, 2026

Published Date: April 02, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/692