2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
| Project/Area Number |
19K19467
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| Research Institution | Okayama University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | Rumors / Socio-cultural problem / Ebola business / Distrust of authorities / Community mistrust / Trust-building / Ebola conspiracy theory / Poverty |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
During Ebola's peak, we analysed quantitative data on Ebola-KAP and published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. People living in Africa, generally, and Congo DR specifically, need a better understanding of Ebola. Misconceptions and risk behaviors about Ebola must be addressed in Congo DR to prepare for future outbreaks. In Congo DR, people often touch Ebola-infected corpses during burial practices. Ebola-affected regions know that the disease can be transmitted from person to person, yet some have acknowledged washing and handling the body of an Ebola victim.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
In 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from conducting surveys on Ebola-KAP in two regional blocks (Kongo Central and Katanga) after the outbreak peaked (to assess confidence in the healthcare system).
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
2023: Prepare manuscripts. To determine public confidence in the health system after the outbreak peak, we will conduct surveys in five regional blocks (Kongo central, Katanga, Kasai, Kisangani, and Kivu).
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| Causes of Carryover |
Providing honoraria to data collectors in five regional blocks (Kongo central, Katanga, Kasai, Kisangani, and Kivu) for "Post-Ebola KAP"; paying data cleaners (double checking data); and paying article publishing charges.
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