The present study explored the level of community KAP with regard to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viral diseases in Kinshasa, DRC. The focus was on Aedes-borne viruses which represent an imminent worldwide threat for human and animal health. Although majority of respondent reported that were frequently been bitten by mosquitoes either outdoors or indoors; most of them stated mosquito activities were more intense from sundown to night. Only a few participants knew about daily activity of mosquitoes. High proportion of study participants felt more concerned by health problems that are brought by mosquitoes. The observation of the residence environment of the respondents allowed taking inventory of the diverse types of man-made and natural containers that are suitable mosquito breeding places. This observation was in contrast with good level of general knowledge about environmental preventive measures noted among the majority of respondents and what they confirmed as their usual practices towards control and prevention of mosquitoes. This confirms that often people don’t understand properly the meaning of the concept of environmental management [13].
Majority of respondents emphasized on environmental cleaning though a high percentage of garbage uncovered cans, vegetation, stagnant water collections and abandoned domestics containers were present in resident’s places. In addition due probably to inadequate water supply in some homes, people have set different water storage units outdoor, being unaware of possible invasion of Aedes mosquitoes [30]. This confirms that the common Aedes breeding habitats are not well known by the majority of the respondents [31]. The most common mosquito breeding places known by the study population was polluted waters bodies. Dirty places were perceived as main drivers leading to mosquitoes abundant. This was in consistency with studies carried out in India [32,33].
The mechanic automobiles activities which are taking places in the city might contribute also to mosquito abundance. Similar reports from Tanzania have indicated that tires are among the most prolific breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes [34]. Agriculture and construction of roads and houses were also reported among the activities leading to mosquito abundance in Kinshasa. These observations were in consistency with findings reported from Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and France and the French Antilles [1,35–37]. Therefore, the prevention messages for MBVD should raise awareness among all of the actors engaged in the design, materials and all humans resources like architects, landscapers, construction professionals, distributors and installers [37].
Nevertheless, majority of respondents in the current study were unaware about vector role of mosquitoes in spreading pathogens to animals and their involvement. Although majority of study participants have heard about an Aedes-transmitted virus, yellow fever and some few on chikungunya, Zika and dengue; the majority of them did not know that these viruses are transmitted to human by mosquitoes. Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced four chikungunya and four yellow fever outbreaks during the recent 2 decades [16–18,38–41], this could be the reasons that majority of the respondents were aware of the diseases.
The lack of knowledge on the role of mosquito in spreading virus in both humans and animals could explain some contradictory attitudes, behaviours and practices noted among study participants. Similar observations have been reported in Jamaica, where the population had poor knowledge of MBVD and poor prevention practices [42]. Contrary in Belize more than 85% of the respondents confirmed that DENV, ZIKV, CHIKV, and YVFV are viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and that they were regularly draining standing water or use insecticides to control mosquitoes [2]. Similar observation has been reported in Colombia, USA and China where the majority of the population were positively involved in source reduction preventive practices [12, 43, 44].
The appropriate knowledge of MBVD can empower individual to make some effort to prevent or control MBVD in their properties instead of waiting for government intervention. The poor knowledge about mosquito-borne disease has also been reported for RVF in Kenya, Tanzania, and Sudan [1,35,36]. The lack of knowledge is driving MBVD in new areas and leads to loss of life and economic losses [1,36]. The high level of dirty, multiple fortuitous markets, higher demographic pressure, inadequate urbanization of Kinshasa Metropolitan are suitable conditions to support Culex mosquito, main vector of WNV and RVFV [45–47]. In DRC, currently RVFV activities are increasing [22] and evidence of WNV in domestic dogs and horses have been documented from Kinshasa [27,28]. Regarding the number of household rearing either domestic or livestock animals in this study area, there is also urgent need to raise awareness of population about the role of mosquito in spreading zoonosis.
Participants in current study were less aware about how their involvement as local population can boost controlling mosquito and MBVD in their community. The study participants perceived that they had only the duty for self-protection and for their own household but they not responsible for local community mosquito prevention and control. Similar observations have been reported in a study in Western Australia [48]. These positive attitudes of trusting in government action offer an opportunity for decision-makers and health actors to maximize their educational activities in this community and to get closer to population through its local structures. Even practically, the respondents did not perceive the responsibility of local community and their role as source of information. It is important that the population perceive that control of mosquito-borne diseases does not only have to rely on individual or household protection but also at the community level. Strengthening co-operation between neighbouring households can also serve as an information channel to improve the knowledge levels of this study population. The financial problem was mentioned as main hindrance in taking action against mosquitoes for the majority of study population. This could be the reason that the majority of study participants would resort less to struggling measures that incur expenditures. Once the health risk is perceived as real threat and priority, population can run to transfer their knowledge into action [13]. But embracing of protective behaviours is a multi-factorial procedure influenced by socio-economic and cognitive factors [49]. In general, household expenditure on protective measures using chemical is high [2,3]. So, in low income region it is better to emphasize on environment measures which are more accommodated, simple to implement and very effective too. Simple action of removing garbage and domestic use containers can reduce over 90% of larvae abundance and putting window screen, closing door can contribute to avoid over 80% of mosquito adults in homes [13]. Social mobilization and communication programs including modern channels should be developed with all national, local partners and community leaders. The integration of awareness-raising activities on the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases should be encouraged in church, school and university programs to educate the church followers, students and use them as multipliers.