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From COVID-19 to Mpox, How Can We Engage Communities in Cameroon?
Background: COVID-19 pandemic exposed major challenges for involving communities in Cameroon through risk communication. To solve these problems and improve responses to future epidemics including Mpox, national study was carried out to identify the most appropriate communication channels and tools for involving communities during health emergencies.
Methodology: Convergent mixed-methods study was conducted over three months across all region. Quantitative component involved a stratified cluster sampling of participants aged 18 and above who resided in Cameroon since March 2020, with data collected via an electronic form on KoboCollect. Data analysis used Python 3.12 and Excel, with a significant threshold set at p< 0.05. Qualitative component included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, transcribed and analyzed using NVivo.
Findings: A total of 10,400 participants were surveyed, and 5,141 households visited. Television (23.56%), radio (21%), and social media (15.91%) were most frequently used communication channels. Visual materials like posters (42.97%) being particularly attractive. Statistical analysis revealed significant influences on channel used based on comorbidities (P < 0,001; OR =-0, 44 [-0,64 - - 0,24]); secondary education level (P< 0,001; OR =0,42 [0,24 – 0,59]) and university level (P < 0,001; OR=0,42 [0,20 – 0,65]). Health information provided by health leaders (34.12%) and community leaders (22.20%) was deemed most reliable.
Interpretation: Television and radio remain essential communication channels, while visual media are highly appealing to diverse populations. Contextualising Risk Communication and Community Engagement, using trusted community and health leaders, will strengthen response to current Mpox epidemic and future outbreaks.
Funding: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Declaration of Interest: None to declare.
Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the National Ethics Committee of Cameroon under reference number Nº 2023/10/1593/CE/CNERSH/SP. It was also approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta as a public health activity. No changes to the protocol were made after ethical clearance was obtained.
Keywords: Risk Communication and Community Engagement, COVID-19, Mpox
Mandeng, Nadia Jacqueline and Endalle Esso, Linda and Nsangou, Moustapha and Tizi, Nasser Bangai and Kenko, Ingrid and Ntone, Rodrigue and Nama, Dominique Olomo and Bihina, Luc Thierry and Hamadama, Maidey and Lekeufack, Edgard and Yopa, Danielle Sandra and Ngomba, Armelle Viviane and Mbo, Marie Lumière Ntyam and Tandi, Erick and Zintsem, Philomène and Tameu, Stella Wilfried and Onana, Thaddée and Belinga, Sandrine and Atongapai, Diana and Boum, Yap and Ben Bachire, Hassan and Mballa, Georges Alain Etoundi, From COVID-19 to Mpox, How Can We Engage Communities in Cameroon?. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4971474 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4971474
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