scholarly journals Symptoms of acute transfusion reactions at a general referral hospital in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e045081
Author(s):  
Patou Masika Musumari ◽  
Samclide Mutindu Mbikayi ◽  
Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai ◽  
Teeranee Techasrivichien ◽  
Arunrat Tangmunkongvorakul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Transfusion Reactions

ObjectivesBlood transfusion is a life-saving procedure and is also associated with a range of risks including the occurrence of symptoms of acute transfusion reactions (ATRs). Very few studies in sub-Saharan Africa have reported on ATRs. The present study addresses this gap in the literature by documenting the prevalence of and factors associated with ATRs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).DesignThis is a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study using blood bank data from a general referral hospital.SettingCentre Hospitalier Mère-Enfant (CHME) Monkole, a general referral hospital in Kinshasa, DRC.ParticipantsGeneral population who have received blood transfusion in CHME Monkole between 2014 and 2019.ResultsThe data set included a total of 7166 patients; 3153 (44%) men and 4013 (56%) women. The overall prevalence of symptoms of ATRs was 2.6%; the lowest prevalence was in 2017 (2.34%) and highest in 2018 (2.95%) and 2019 (2.94%). The documented symptoms included 74 (39.6%) cases of dyspnoea/respiratory distress, 60 (32.1%) cases of fever, 36 (19.2%) cases of pruritus/urticaria and 17 (9.1%) cases of vomiting. None of the studied factors was associated with symptoms of ATRs.ConclusionSymptoms of ATRs were not uncommon in the studied population. Dyspnoea and respiratory distress, fever and pruritus/urticaria were the most common symptoms of ATRs. This study highlights the need for a clinical and biological surveillance to detect, prevent and manage ATRs in the context of the DRC.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitude of schoolgirls about illegal abortions in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lussy J. Paluku ◽  
Langalibalele H. Mabuza ◽  
Patrick M.H. Maduna ◽  
John V. Ndimande
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Illegal Abortion ◽  
Starting Point

Background: Adolescent sexual activity, early pregnancy, induced abortion and the increase in HIV infection have become major concerns in sub-Saharan Africa and understanding adolescent sexual behaviour remains a challenge. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the practice of illegal abortions is prevalent among school-going adolescent girls with unplanned pregnancies. Assessing their attitude and knowledge on the subject could be a starting point from which to address the problem.Objectives: To determine the knowledge of schoolgirls in Goma, DRC about the health consequences of illegal abortions and to assess their attitude towards these abortions.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a randomly selected sample of 328 high school girls aged 16 to 20 years. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Nine out of 55 (11 public and 44 private) secondary schools were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. The Epi-Info 2000 computer program was used for data capturing and analysis.Results: The different sources of information were the radio (66.2%, 217), friends (31.7%, 104), parents (1.5%, 5), and the church (0.5%, 2). The health consequences of illegal abortion mentioned were death, infertility, infection and bleeding. Of the participants, 9.8% (32) had committed an abortion before and 46% (151) knew where to obtain it; 76.2% (250) of participants were against illegal abortion, while 23.8% (78) supported it.Conclusion: Girls in secondary school in Goma had good knowledge of the illegal abortion practice and its consequences. A fifth of them were in support of the procedure. The DRC government may need to consider legalising abortion to secure a healthy future for affected girls.

scholarly journals Onchocerciasis Prevalence among Persons with Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Hypo-Endemic Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
An Hotterbeekx ◽  
Kristien Verdonck ◽  
Deby Mukendi ◽  
Jean-Roger Lilo-Kalo ◽  
Pascal Lutumba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Taenia Solium ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo

A high epilepsy prevalence has been reported in onchocerciasis meso- and hyper-endemic regions in sub-Saharan Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We investigated whether onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy can also be suspected in onchocerciasis hypo-endemic regions. Stored serum samples from 342 patients admitted with recent onset neurological symptoms admitted to Mosango general hospital, in the Kwilu province, DRC, between 2012 and 2015 were screened for onchocerciasis (OV16) antibodies by ELISA and Taenia solium antigen (using an in-house B158/B60 antigen test). Eighty-one (23.7%; 95% CI 19.5–28.5%) of these samples were positive for OV16 antibodies and 43/340 (12.6%; 95% CI 9.5–16.6%) were positive for T. solium antigen. Of the 58 persons clinically diagnosed with late onset epilepsy of unknown etiology, 19 (32.8%) were OV16 positive and nine (16%) T. solium antigen positive. In total, 16 persons with epilepsy were OV16 positive and T. solium negative, of whom 12 (75%) were between the ages seven to 31 years old, an age rage in which onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy is observed. Our study suggests that in onchocerciasis hypo-endemic areas, in T. solium antigen negative persons with epilepsy, onchocerciasis should be considered as a potential trigger of epilepsy.

scholarly journals Dengue and Chikungunya among Febrile Outpatients in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Proesmans ◽  
Freddy Katshongo ◽  
John Milambu ◽  
Blaise Fungula ◽  
Hypolite Muhindo Mavoko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Yellow Fever Virus ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo

Background Pathogens causing acute fever, with the exception of malaria, remain largely unidentified in sub-Saharan Africa, given the local unavailability of diagnostic tests and the broad differential diagnosis. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted a cross-sectional study including outpatient acute febrile syndromes in both children and adults, between November 2015 and June 2016 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Serological and molecular diagnostic tests for arboviral infections were performed on blood, including PCR and NS1-RDT for acute, and ELISA and IFAT for past infections. Conclusions/Significance Among 342 patients, aged 2 to 68 years, 45.3% tested positive on malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test. However, 87.7% received antimalarial and 64.3% antibacterial treatment. Further investigation among 235 fever cases revealed 19 (8.1%) acute dengue and 2 (0.9%) acute chikungunya infections, with an important proportion of participants already exposed to flaviviridae (possibly dengue) and alphaviridae (possibly chikungunya) in the past, namely 30.2 % and 26.4% respectively. We found no evidence of exposure to Zika nor yellow fever virus.

scholarly journals Minimum acceptable diet among children aged 6–23 months in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo: a community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Mbusa Kambale ◽  
Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka ◽  
Joe Bwija Kasengi ◽  
Sarah Niyitegeka ◽  
Boss Rutakaza Cinkenye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
South Kivu

Abstract Background Suboptimal child nutrition remains the main factor underlying child undernutrition in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months old. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study including 742 mothers with children aged 6–23 months old was conducted in 2 Health Zones of South Kivu, Eastern DRC. WHO indicators of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) regarding complementary feeding practices were used. Logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the association between sociodemographic indicators and adequate minimum acceptable diet for both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Overall, 33% of infants had minimum acceptable diet. After controlling for a wide range of covariates, residence urban area (AOR 2.39; 95% CI 1.43, 3.85), attendance postnatal care (AOR 1.68; 95% CI 1.12, 2.97), education status of mother (AOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.20, 2.77) and household socioeconomic status (AOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.14, 2.59) were factors positively associated with minimum acceptable diet. Conclusion Actions targeting these factors are expected to improve infant feeding practices in South Kivu.

scholarly journals Determinants of Antenatal Care Attendance among Pregnant Women Living in Endemic Malaria Settings: Experience from the Democratic Republic of Congo

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Célestin Ndosimao Nsibu ◽  
Célestin Manianga ◽  
Serge Kapanga ◽  
Esther Mona ◽  
Philippe Pululu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo

Background. Antenatal care (ANC) attendance helps pregnant women to benefit from preventive and curative services.Methods. Determinants for ANC attendance were identified through a cross-sectional survey in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sociocultural bottlenecks were assessed via focus groups discussion of married men and women.Results. In this survey, 28 of the 500 interviewed pregnant women (5.6%) did not attend ANC services and 82.4% booked over the first trimester. The first visit is positively influenced by the reproductive age (OR: 0.52, 95% CI(0.28–0.95),p<0.04), the educational level (OR: 0.41,95% CI(0.17–0.97),p<0.04), the nearby health center (OR: 0.43, 95% CI(0.2–0.92),p<0.03), and the presence of a male partner (OR: 10.48, 95% CI(2.1–52.23),p<0.001). The barriers to early booking were (i) the cost of service; (ii) the appearance or individual income; (iii) the geographical inaccessibility or distance to health facilities; (iv) social and religious prohibitions; (v) the stigmatization from other women when conceiving in the late ages or young or while still lactating (parity); (vi) the time for waiting for services.Conclusion. The early ANC attendance is delayed among poor women with little education and living alone.

scholarly journals Health facility readiness and provider knowledge as correlates of adequate diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalau Mukadi Nkamba ◽  
Roland Vangu ◽  
Moyene Elongi ◽  
Laura A. Magee ◽  
Gilbert Wembodinga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Primary Health Centres ◽  
Hypertensive Disorders In Pregnancy ◽  
Prophylactic Use ◽  
Facility Readiness

Abstract Background Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are the second most common cause of maternal mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accounting for 23% of maternal deaths. This study aimed to assess facility readiness, and providers’ knowledge to prevent, diagnose, and treat pre-eclampsia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 primary health centres (PHCs) and 28 referral facilities (hospitals) randomly selected in Kinshasa, DRC. In each facility, all midwives and physicians involved in maternal care provision (n = 197) were included. Data on facility infrastructure and providers’ knowledge about pre-eclampsia were collected using facility checklists and a knowledge questionnaire. Facility readiness score was defined as the sum of 13 health commodities needed to manage pre-eclampsia. A knowledge score was defined as the sum of 24 items about the diagnosis, management, and prevention of pre-eclampsia. The score ranges from 0 to 24, with higher values reflecting a better knowledge. The Mann-Witney U test was used to compare median readiness scores by facility type and ownership; and median knowledge scores between midwives in hospitals and in PHCs, and between physicians in hospitals and in PHCs. Results Overall, health facilities had 7 of the 13 commodities, yielding a median readiness score of 53.8%(IQR: 46.2 to 69.2%). Although all provider groups had significant knowledge gaps about pre-eclampsia, providers in hospitals demonstrated slightly more knowledge than those in PHCs. Midwives in public facilities scored higher than those in private facilities (median(IQR): 8(5 to 12) vs 7(4 to 8), p = 0.03). Of the 197 providers, 91.4% correctly diagnosed severe pre-eclampsia. However, 43.9 and 82.2% would administer magnesium sulfate and anti-hypertensive drugs to manage severe pre-eclampsia, respectively. Merely 14.2 and 7.1% of providers were aware of prophylactic use of aspirin and calcium to prevent pre-eclampsia, respectively. Conclusion Our study showed poor availability of supplies to diagnose, prevent and treat pre-eclampsia in Kinshasa. While providers demonstrated good knowledge regarding the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, they have poor knowledge regarding its prevention and management. The study highlights the need for strengthening knowledge of providers toward the prevention and management of pre-eclampsia, and enhancing the availability of supplies needed to address this disease.

scholarly journals How useful are malaria risk maps at the country level? Perceptions of decision-makers in Kenya, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludovica Ghilardi ◽  
George Okello ◽  
Linda Nyondo-Mipando ◽  
Chawanangwa Mahebere Chirambo ◽  
Fathy Malongo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
National Level ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Malaria Risk ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Risk Maps ◽  
Document Review

Abstract Background Declining malaria prevalence and pressure on external funding have increased the need for efficiency in malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Modelled Plasmodium falciparum parasite rate (PfPR) maps are increasingly becoming available and provide information on the epidemiological situation of countries. However, how these maps are understood or used for national malaria planning is rarely explored. In this study, the practices and perceptions of national decision-makers on the utility of malaria risk maps, showing prevalence of parasitaemia or incidence of illness, was investigated. Methods A document review of recent National Malaria Strategic Plans was combined with 64 in-depth interviews with stakeholders in Kenya, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The document review focused on the type of epidemiological maps included and their use in prioritising and targeting interventions. Interviews (14 Kenya, 17 Malawi, 27 DRC, 6 global level) explored drivers of stakeholder perceptions of the utility, value and limitations of malaria risk maps. Results Three different types of maps were used to show malaria epidemiological strata: malaria prevalence using a PfPR modelled map (Kenya); malaria incidence using routine health system data (Malawi); and malaria prevalence using data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DRC). In Kenya the map was used to target preventative interventions, including long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), whilst in Malawi and DRC the maps were used to target in-door residual spraying (IRS) and LLINs distributions in schools. Maps were also used for operational planning, supply quantification, financial justification and advocacy. Findings from the interviews suggested that decision-makers lacked trust in the modelled PfPR maps when based on only a few empirical data points (Malawi and DRC). Conclusions Maps were generally used to identify areas with high prevalence in order to implement specific interventions. Despite the availability of national level modelled PfPR maps in all three countries, they were only used in one country. Perceived utility of malaria risk maps was associated with the epidemiological structure of the country and use was driven by perceived need, understanding (quality and relevance), ownership and trust in the data used to develop the maps.

scholarly journals Important Aedes Spp. Density Levels in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wat’senga Tezzo Francis ◽  
Fasine Sylvie ◽  
Manzambi Emile Zola ◽  
Marquetti Maria del Carmen ◽  
Binene Mbuka Guillaume ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Yellow Fever ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Water Storage ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Breeding Sites

Abstract BACKGROUND: Dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika are among the most important emerging infectious vector-borne diseases worldwide. Besides sporadic dengue cases, yellow fever and chikungunya outbreaks have been increasingly reported in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the last decade. The main vectors of these arboviruses, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, were reported in DRC, but there is a lack of detailed information on their presence and spread hampering transmission risk assessments in the region. METHODS: In 2018, two cross-sectional surveys were realized in Kinshasa province (DRC), one in the rainy (January/February) and one in the dry season (July). Four hundred houses were visited in each of the four selected communes (N’Djili, Mont Ngafula, Lingwala and Kalamu). Breedings sites were recorded, larvae and pupae collected and reared to obtain adults for genus and species identification. A subset of specimens was DNA-barcoded for validation of the morphological species identification. RESULTS: The most rural commune (Mont Ngafula) had the highest density levels, with a Breteau Index of 82.2 and 19.5/100 houses in rainy and dry season, respectively. The Breteau Index in the other communes Kalamu, Lingwala and N’Djili elevated to 21.5 (4.7), 36.7 (9.8) and 41.7 (7.5) in the rainy (and dry) season. The House index was on average 27.5% and 7.6%; and the Container Index 15.0% and 10.0% in rainy and dry season, respectively. The vast majority of Aedes positive containers was found outside the houses (adjusted OR 27.4 (95%CI 14.9-50.1)). The main breeding sites were used tires, water storage containers and trash. Anopheles larvae were also found in Aedes breeding sites, especially during the rainy season.CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Kinshasa is highly infested with Aedes spp. which indicates a high potential for arbovirus transmission in the area. During the dry season, the most productive containers (for Aedes pupae production) are containers used for water storage, whereas in the rainy season this is trash and tires. The present study also evidences that Aedes breeding sites are mainly located outdoors. Based on the results of this study, a contextualized Aedes control strategy can be designed for Kinshasa.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document