Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Residents in Four Communes of Kinshasa Regarding The Health Risks of Noise Pollution

Background: Noise pollution remains a significant yet under-researched issue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Sources of noise emissions are commonly located along roadways and even within residential neighbourhoods, placing nearby populations at risk of adverse health effects. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents concerning the health risks associated with environmental noise. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey across four municipalities in Kinshasa. Qualitative variables were summarised using proportions and frequencies, while quantitative data were expressed as means ± standard deviations, or medians with interquartile ranges. Results: A total of 372 participants were included: 43.5% were male and 56.5% female, with a mean age of 38.5 ± 12.7 years. The majority (65.6%) demonstrated low levels of knowledge regarding the health risks of noise exposure. A striking 84.9% had experienced health effects potentially related to noise pollution, including headaches (30%), sleep disturbances (23.1%), discomfort (19.6%), hypertension (12.6%), irritability (12.4%), dizziness (9.7%), and tinnitus (6.7%). The most frequently cited sources of disruptive noise were places of worship (50.8%) and bars (44.9%). Despite this, only 10.5% of respondents had reported incidents of noise disturbance. Residential location was the sole significant influencing factor. Conclusion: Residents of the four surveyed municipalities in Kinshasa exhibit limited awareness of the health implications of noise pollution. There is an urgent need for public education and awareness campaigns to address noise pollution as a growing public health concern.