Perceptions of COVID-19 among communities of Conakry (Guinea): a qualitative study exploring the context of the ANRS COV33 Coverage-Africa therapeutic trial.

Journal: BMJ open

Volume: 12

Issue: 12

Year of Publication: 2022

Affiliated Institutions:  Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR , Bordeaux, France marie-helene.doucet@u-bordeaux.fr. Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Conakry, Guinea. Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR , Bordeaux, France. Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Donka National Hospital, Conakry, Guinea. Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Sourô Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Department of General Practice, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France. Africa Center of Excellence (CEA-PCMT), University Gamal Abdel Nasser, Conakry, Guinea.

Abstract summary 

To explore communities' perceptions about COVID-19 in the context of the ANRS COV33 Coverage-Africa clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of treatments in preventing clinical worsening of COVID-19.Descriptive qualitative study using semistructured in-depth individual interviews conducted by telephone in French and Soussou between May and September 2021. Data were transcribed, translated in French when applicable and analysed with the thematic analysis method.The eight neighbourhoods most affected by COVID-19 in Conakry's urban context, capital of Guinea.4 community leaders acting as key informants-providing insights regarding population's opinions-and six community members, who were exposed to an information session conducted as part of Coverage-Africa.According to participants, community members have heterogeneous viewpoints about COVID-19: it exists and is dangerous; it is benign ('bad cold'); or it is fictitious (eg, government conspiracy). The fear of stigmatisation and social isolation of those sick or cured of COVID-19 was largely reported by participants, with illustrations of distressing situations for the victims. To avoid stigma, many patients seem to adopt strategies of discretion (eg, lying/hiding about the disease). Although community attitudes were reported to have evolved since the beginning of the epidemic, stigma remained a pervasive concern for many people.Community perceptions about COVID-19 in Conakry may be partly explained by the Guinean context of Ebola history and of sociopolitical tensions. Stigmatisation of COVID+ people seems to be aimed at protecting others against contamination. However, social avoidance can greatly affect the morale of stigmatised people, especially in collectivist cultures like Guinea. Further investigating stigma, including its role on seeking COVID-19 screening and treatment services, and its consequences on mental health among affected/exposed people, would contribute to identifying improved prevention and care interventions in preparation for future health threats, and to promoting participation in health research.NCT04920838 (Pre-results stage).

Authors & Co-authors:  Doucet Marie-Hélène MH Songbono Christine Timbo CT Plazy Mélanie M Martin Caroline C Fritzell Camille C Sow Mamadou Saliou MS Traoré Fodé Amara FA Jaspard Marie M Poda Armel A Malvy Denis D Marcy Olivier O Delamou Alexandre A Orne-Gliemann Joanna J

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  World Health Organization . WHO coronavirus (COVID-19) dashboard. Available: https://covid19.who.int/table [Accessed 22 Nov 2021].
Authors :  13
Identifiers
Doi : e061715
SSN : 2044-6055
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
COVID-19;MENTAL HEALTH;Public health;QUALITATIVE RESEARCH;SOCIAL MEDICINE
Study Design
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
Guinea
Publication Country
England