Author(s) :

Jean François Fefe Baleka, Jean Robert Angho Tundru, Bibi Bwiri, Tauguy Ndombe, Jeef Mukengeshay Ntalaja, Roger Minga Kongo, Leonard Kababa Makonga, Fidèle Mukinda Kanyimbu, Junior Rika Matangila, Jean-Marie Iyamba Liesse.

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Abstract :

Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic due to high population density, poor adherence to hygiene measures, and limited healthcare infrastructure. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, misinformation and disbelief among the population contributed to increased transmission risks during the first wave. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among symptomatic individuals in Kinshasa during the first wave of COVID-19. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from March 10 to December 31, 2020, at the Ngaliema Clinic, designated as COVID-19 treatment center. Symptomatic patients from 23 out of Kinshasa 24 communes were tested using both rapid antigen tests and GeneXpert molecular assays. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9 and Variant Reporter 3 software. Out of 1,914 individuals tested, the overall SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate was 23.5%. The majority of positive cases were male (sex ratio: 1.22). The most affected commune was Ngaliema (6.9%), followed by Mont-Ngafula (2.4%), while Kisenso reported the lowest prevalence (0.05%). Age was the only variable significantly associated with positivity in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001), whereas sex and district of residence were not. Among health personnel tested, 34.5% were positive, with nurses being the most affected group. The findings reveal a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave in Kinshasa, particularly among middle-a ged adults and healthcare workers. These results underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and sustained community education to mitigate future outbreaks.

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