[Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population of Dakar region on the COVID-19]

Faced with the increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Senegal, particularly in the region of Dakar, epicenter of the disease, it is necessary to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the populations of the West and South districts on COVID-19.

A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted from May 9 to 30, 2020. A four-stage cluster survey was carried out at the level of the West and South districts. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were carried out using R 3.4.4 software.

In total, 400 people were surveyed. The mean age of those surveyed was 40.2 ± 14.7 years and extremes of 18 and 82 years. The male sex predominated in 66.5% of cases. People had good knowledge of the signs, transmission risks and prevention measures respectively in 4.7%; 3% and 47.8%. In total, 74% of the people surveyed respected the concept of "stay at home". Wearing a mask and systematic hand washing with soap and water were noted among the people surveyed in 53.6% and 34.8% of cases, respectively. People who had good knowledge of preventive measures against COVID-19 wore the mask more (ORaj = 2.1 [1.2-3.5]) and washed their hands more with soap and water (ORaj = 1.9 [1.1-3.4]).

For an effective fight against this epidemic, it is important to strengthen risk communication with full community participation. This strategy must be coupled with actions aimed at making prevention means available to the benefit of the entire population.