Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine mothers’ level of knowledge about dirty hand diseases and the practice of hand hygiene in the Tshopo health zone. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 200 mothers/caregivers selected by a three-stage cluster sampling technique, in the Tshopo health zone, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were based on proportions, mean and confidence intervals. Results: The most frequently cited dirty-hand diseases were diarrhea (55%), typhoid fever (48%) and amoebiasis (41%). Inadequate hand hygiene (71.5%), soiled food (34%) and unsanitary water (21%) were the most frequently cited contamination routes. Hand hygiene was the best-known measure for preventing dirty hands (71%), and the most frequently cited times for practicing hand hygiene were before eating (77.5%) and after using the toilet (71%). Hand hygiene was most frequently observed before eating (66.5%) and after using the toilet (49%). Hand-washing facilities were close to toilets in 37% of cases. Conclusion: The knowledge of diseases of dirty hands and means of prevention is incomplete but that of hand hygiene as a means of prevention of these diseases is satisfactory. Raising awareness, the availability of washbasins, water and soap near the toilets are actions to be reinforced.

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among blood donors in a Rural Health Zone in north-eastern DR Congo (Isangi). Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in the Rural Health Zone of Isangi from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2017 involving 814 blood donors. Results: 814 blood donors were counted including 725 males (89%) and 89 females (11%), a sex ratio M / F of 8.14. The majority of blood donors were 17-25 years old (44%) and 25-35 years old (32%) with a mean age of 32.3 ± 8 years. Family blood donors were the majority (90%). The seroprevalence of syphilis was 1.7%. This seroprevalence was higher among young, male, living alone, family, illiterate and primary and non-professional blood donors. No epidemiological parameters studied were significantly associated with the seropositivity of the antibodies sought. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of syphilis was low in blood donors in the Rural Health Zone of Isangi. This seroprevalence would be underestimated because of the use of a single rapid diagnostic test (RPR) in screening blood donors. The improvement of transfusion safety in the Rural Health Zone of Isangi should be directed towards the abandonment of the family donation, the promotion of the voluntary donation, the organization of the donors in "clubs" and their loyalty.

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C and HIV among blood donors in the Isangi Rural Health Zone. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in the rural health zone of Isangi from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2017 involving 814 blood donors. The parameters of interest were sociodemographic characteristics and biological results (HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis) using rapid diagnostic tests. Results: 814 blood donors (family and volunteers) were collected, including 725 males (89%) and 89 females (11%). The majority of donors belonged to the age groups of 17-25 years (44%) and 26-35 (32%) and was family donors (90%). The prevalence was 1.7%; 3.2℅; 0.85℅; 3.5% for syphilis, HBV, HIV and HCV, respectively. No epidemiological parameters studied were significantly associated with the seropositivity of the antigens sought (p <0.05). Conclusion: Seroprevalences of infectious markers were relatively low among blood donors in Isangi. These seroprevalences would be underestimated because of the use of rapid diagnostic tests. But they would reflect a difference in epidemiology of infectious agents between rural and urban areas. Improvement of transfusion safety in rural areas should be directed towards the abandonment of family donation, the promotion of voluntary donation, the organization of donors into "clubs" and their loyalty.