Knowledge and practices of care providers on fungal diseases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Fungal diseases are still not well known in many countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, around 5.4 % of people suffer from a serious fungal disease each year. Their occurrence is higher in immunocompromised patients and those with respiratory diseases. A good level of knowledge and management practice of care providers contributes to reducing morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

This cross-sectional multicenter study addressed knowledge and practice of care providers in many provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo between March and September 2023. A self -administered questionnaire, focused on sensitization and management of fungal infections, was administered to participants. The evaluation was scaled as sufficient and insufficient knowledge and low and high for practice.

RESULTS

Overall, 96 % of 3533 participants have some knowledge on fungal infections. Knowledge was greater for invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis than for mucosal candidiasis and dermatophytosis. Knowledge of fluconazole use was greater than for amphotericin B, caspofungin or voriconazole. Multivariate linear mixed regression demonstrated statistically significant differences in knowledge and practice for the specialist physician, general practitioner and head nurse, greater knowledge in younger practitioners, and schools of medicine and nursing as the primary sources of knowledge.

CONCLUSION

The majority of participants had a reasonable knowledge and understood management practice of fungal infections. Awareness and improving continuing medical education is essential to meet the challenge of these complex infections, linked to diagnostic tools and access to antifungal drugs.