From COVID-19 to Mpox, how can we engage communities in Cameroon?

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> COVID-19 pandemic highlighted major challenges for involving communities in Cameroon through risk communication. To address these gaps and improve responses to future health crisis including current Mpox, a national study identified the most appropriate communication channels and tools during health emergencies. Convergent mixed-methods study was conducted over three months across all region. Quantitative component involved a stratified cluster sampling of participants aged 18 and above, with data collected via KoboCollect. Data analysis used Python 3.12 and Excel (&lt; 0.05). Qualitative component included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, analyzed using NVivo. Of 10,400 participants were surveyed, and 5,141 households visited. Television (23.56%), radio (21%), and social media (15.91%) were most frequently used communication channels. Visual materials like posters (42.97%) being particularly attractive. Channel preferences were significantly influenced by comorbidities (P &lt; 0,001); secondary education (P &lt; 0,001) and university (P &lt; 0,001). Health information provided by health leaders (34.12%) and community leaders (22.20%) was deemed most reliable. Study highlights the importance of contextualising risk communication and community engagement strategies, using attractive tools, channels and trusted leaders. These insights are crucial to improving the response to Mpox and futures epidemics in Cameroon.