Author(s)

Arsène Constant Gongault Bany¹, Gilbert Ndziessi^2*, Ange Clauvel Niama², Yambaré Anki², Ange Antoine Abena³, Wilfrid Sylvain Nambei¹

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic.
²Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
³Denis Sassou N’Guesso University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

Introduction: The widespread use of street medicines (SM) represents a significant public health concern across Africa. This study aimed to identify the socio-demographic, economic, and perceptual factors associated with SM use in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in January 2024, involving 734 individuals across 720 households in Brazzaville. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to explore associations. Analyses were conducted using R software version 4.4.1, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of all respondents, 88.4% reported using SM. Use was significantly higher among individuals aged 50 and above (60.4%, p < 0.001). Although male respondents were slightly more likely to use street medicine, this association was not statistically significant (p = 0.113). Participants earning the statutory minimum wage (SMIG) were more likely to use SM (OR = 3.64; 95% CI: 1.18 - 11.20; p = 0.024). Traders made up 43.1% of users. Residents of Ouenzé district had higher odds of use (OR = 10.68; p < 0.001). A positive perception of SM quality was also strongly associated (OR = 7.81; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Street medicine use in Brazzaville is widespread and associated with age, gender, income, occupation, residential area, and perception. Urgent measures are needed to improve drug regulation and healthcare access.

Street Medicines, Socio-Economic Factors, Brazzaville

Bany, A. , Ndziessi, G. , Niama, A. , Anki, Y. , Abena, A. and Nambei, W. (2025) Socio-Economic and Perceptual Determinants of Street Medicine Use in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo—January 2024. Health, 17, 1111-1123. doi: 10.4236/health.2025.179073.