scholarly journals Awareness of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo: evidence from a nationwide cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalau Mukadi Nkamba ◽  
Gilbert Wembodinga ◽  
Pierre Bernard ◽  
John Ditekemena ◽  
Annie Robert

Abstract Background Poor awareness of obstetric danger signs is a major contributing factor to delays in seeking obstetric care and hence to high maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. We conducted the current study to assess the level of agreement on receipt of counseling on obstetric danger signs between direct observations of antenatal care (ANC) consultation and women’s recall in the exit interview. We also identified factors associated with pregnant women’s awareness of obstetric danger signs during pregnancy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Methods We used data from the 2017–2018 DRC Service Provision Assessment survey. Agreement between the observation and woman’s recall was measured using Cohen’s kappa statistic and percent agreement. Multivariable Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression was used to identify factors associated with the number of danger signs during pregnancy the woman knew. Results On average, women were aware of 1.5 ± 1.34 danger signs in pregnancy (range: 0 to 8). Agreement between observation and woman’s recall was 70.7%, with a positive agreement of 16.9% at the country level but ranging from 2.1% in Bandundu to 39.7% in Sud Kivu. Using multivariable ZIP analysis, the number of obstetric danger signs the women mentioned was significantly higher in multigravida women (Adj.IRR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.23–1.55), in women attending a private facility (Adj.IRR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01–1.31), in women attending a subsequent ANC visit (Adj.IRR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01–1.21), and in women counseled on danger signs during the ANC visit (Adj.IRR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05–1.35). There was a regional variation in the awareness of danger signs, with the least mentioned signs in the middle and the most in the eastern provinces. Conclusions Our findings indicated poor agreement between directly observed counseling and women’s reports that counseling on obstetric danger signs occurred during the current ANC visit. We found that province of residence, provision of counseling on obstetric danger signs, facility ownership, gravidity and the number of ANC visits were predictors of the awareness of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women. These factors should be considered when developing strategies aim at improving women’s awareness about obstetric danger signs in the DRC

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Célestin Ndosimao Nsibu ◽  
Célestin Manianga ◽  
Serge Kapanga ◽  
Esther Mona ◽  
Philippe Pululu ◽  
...  

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.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0238985
Author(s):  
Raha Maroyi ◽  
Nyakio Ngeleza ◽  
Laura Keyser ◽  
Katenga Bosunga ◽  
Denis Mukwege

Prenatal care (PNC) and counseling about delivery method is an important strategy to prevent delivery complications among women with multiple prior Cesarean sections (CS). In low income countries, an elective CS is recommended for this population. This cross-sectional study examined factors associated with counseling about delivery method and its influence on the likelihood of an elective CS delivery. A total of 422 women with ≥2 prior CS who delivered across five hospitals in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were interviewed about PNC and counseling. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were completed to ascertain factors associated with counseling. Only 33.6% delivered via planned CS; 60.7% required an emergency CS. One-quarter completed four PNC visits; 64.5% received counseling. Number of PNC visits and number of prior CS were significant predictors of receipt of counseling. Women who received ≥2 PNC visits were 2.2 times more likely to have received counseling (p = 0.000). Among women who received counseling, 38.6% had a planned CS compared with 24.7% in the non-counseled group. Counseling was associated with mode of delivery; emergency CS and vaginal delivery were more frequent among women who did not receive counseling (p = 0.008). These findings highlight the importance of counseling during PNC visits. This study also highlights the poor coverage and quality of counseling in this high-risk population and the need for improvements in PNC. Less than 40% of counseled women followed provider recommendations for a planned delivery via CS. The majority labored at home and later delivered emergently. The significant number of women who trial labor without medical supervision despite their high-risk status sheds light on the influence of patient perceptions about CS and acceptance of medical intervention during birth.


OALib ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 04 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ndayi Kabamba Julie ◽  
Ilunga Kandolo Simon ◽  
Matungulu Matungulu Charles ◽  
Kabange Umba Irène ◽  
Abdulu Mahuridi ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalau Mukadi Nkamba ◽  
Gilbert Wembodinga ◽  
Pierre Bernard ◽  
Annie Robert

Abstract BackgroundDelays in identification of women with preeclampsia is a contributing factor to maternal deaths in developing countries. We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of screening for preeclampsia in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and to identify factors associated with the screening. Methods We used data from the 2017-2018 DRC Service Provision Assessment survey, a nationwide survey that samples services, including antenatal care (ANC), in representative health facilities. A pregnant woman was deemed screened for preeclampsia if she had received the two following services: blood pressure measurement and assessment for warning signs of preeclampsia. We used multiple logistic regression, with generalized estimating equations, to identify factors associated with screening for preeclampsia.ResultsOf the 3763 pregnant women, 719 (19.1%; 95% CI, 15.8% – 22.9%) were screened for preeclampsia, 815 (21.7%; 95% CI, 18.2% - 25.6%) were assessed for preeclampsia-related warning signs and symptoms, and 2941 (78.2%; 95% CI 73.6 – 82.1%) had their blood pressure checked.In multivariable analyses, the percentage of women receiving screening for preeclampsia was significantly higher among women with a secondary level of schooling or above (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.42; P=0.016) and among women having a subsequent ANC visit (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20-1.62; P<0.001). It was also higher among women receiving care in facilities with a low number of women attended per day (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.51; P=0.003) and in urban settings (AOR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.82; P=0.036). There was a regional variation in the screening for preeclampsia, with the lowest prevalence observed in the Central (10.7%) and the highest in the Eastern provinces (22.5%). ConclusionOur study shows that screening for preeclampsia during ANC visits in DRC is not systematic, with disparities between provinces. We found that a low schooling level, a low number of ANC visits, rural areas, province of residence, and a high volume of ANC visits at the facility were associated with a low screening for preeclampsia. These factors should be considered for setting up strategies in order to increase the screening for preeclampsia during ANC visits in provinces of DRC with too low screening.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1010
Author(s):  
Branly Kilola Mbunga ◽  
Mala Ali Mapatano ◽  
Tor A. Strand ◽  
Elin Lovise F. Gjengedal ◽  
Pierre Zalagile Akilimali ◽  
...  

Iron deficiency (ID), the leading cause of anemia and the most common nutritional deficiency globally, is not well reported among children in malaria-endemic settings, and little is known about its contribution to anemia in these settings. We aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia, the role of ID using multiple parameters, and the factors associated with anemia in a malaria-endemic rural area. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study of 432 children aged 1–5 years from the Popokabaka Health Zone, Democratic Republic of Congo. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric parameters, and biochemical parameters were considered. Hemoglobin and malaria prevalence were assessed using rapid finger-prick capillary blood testing in the field. Venous blood samples were analyzed for serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a laboratory. Anemia was found in 294 out of 432 (68%) patients. Malaria was found in 375 out of 432 (87%), and ID in 1.8% according to diagnosis by adjusted ferritin only and in 12.9% according to transferrin saturation. ID indicators were not significantly correlated with low hemoglobin levels. Malaria, fever, and CRP > 5 mg/L were major factors associated with anemia in Popokabaka. Anemia control should focus on treating inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases among children in such settings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Thinley Phuntsho ◽  
Phurb Dorji

Abstract Background The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as ‘good’ (≥80%), ‘satisfactory’ (60–79%) and ‘poor’ (< 60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics was tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge ('good’ versus ‘satisfactory’ and ‘poor’ combined) were assessed with odds ratios using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had ‘good’ knowledge, 245 (58.1%) had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge and 157 (37.2%) had ‘poor’ knowledge. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 women (20.3%) could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having ‘good’ level of knowledge. Conclusions Most pregnant women had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Mbusa Kambale ◽  
Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka ◽  
Joe Bwija Kasengi ◽  
Sarah Niyitegeka ◽  
Boss Rutakaza Cinkenye ◽  
...  

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.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e045081
Author(s):  
Patou Masika Musumari ◽  
Samclide Mutindu Mbikayi ◽  
Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai ◽  
Teeranee Techasrivichien ◽  
Arunrat Tangmunkongvorakul ◽  
...  

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.


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