Analyse des modes de traitement et des complications liés à la conjonctivite bactérienne : Étude Socio-culturelle dans la Commune de Lac, Kalemie RDC

Abstract

This study provides a socio-cultural analysis of treatment methods and complications associated with bacterial conjunctivitis in the Commune of Lac, Kalemie, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It examines both modern and indigenous treatments and their effects on patient health. The primary objective is to document the range of products used in treating bacterial conjunctivitis and evaluate their impact, considering factors such as treatment duration, complications, and outcomes. This cross-sectional descriptive study used network sampling to address geographical constraints and included a diverse sample of 2,523 participants, primarily women, students, the unemployed, and workers from various sectors.

About the treatments utilized, 64.53% of the victims relied on modern products, 33.09% opted for traditional remedies, and the remainder combined both approaches. The prevalence of modern treatments was 2.70 times higher than that of traditional methods. Notably, victims themselves were the main prescribers of treatment, with only 14.26% of prescriptions issued by healthcare professionals. Treatment durations varied between 3 and 5 days, with an overall complication rate of 12.2%. Modern treatments were responsible for 51.45% of complications, while traditional methods accounted for 17.47%. The use of mixed treatments was linked to a higher rate of complications. Complications observed included corneal ulcers, severe bacterial conjunctivitis, and cases of total vision loss, particularly among individuals who combined modern and traditional treatments without adhering to recommended protocols. The study concludes that despite the widespread use of modern products, indigenous remedies remain prevalent. Complications are more frequent among those who combine different treatment types or self-medicate without proper guidance