Background: Onchocerciasis or river blindness is a parasitic disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus. More than 99% of infected people live in sub-Saharan Africa. The fight against this disabling disease also requires the support of the population living in endemic areas. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledges, attitudes and practices of the population of Makelekele on the control of onchocerciasis Methods: A KAP-Analytics study was conducted. Data was analyzed with EpiInfo 7.2. Logistic regression was used to determine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on knowledge of the disease as well as levels of knowledge and attitude on control practice. Results: There were 360 people enrolled and 58% (207/360) were men. High school represented 48% (174/360). Factors associated with a satisfactory level of knowledge of the disease were age, sex and occupation. After adjustment on these variables, knowledge’s level influences the practice of control of onchocerciasis in this population ORa = 2.92(2.33; 3.64), pa = 0.001. Conclusions: Knowledge of the disease is considered unsatisfactory. The level of knowledge influences the level of practice. What is important is to raise awareness among the inhabitants of Makelekele for a better knowledge of the disease so that they increase their level of control practice.

Keywords: Health knowledge, attitudes, practice. Onchocerciasis. Prevention and Control. Congo