Factors influencing client recall of contraceptive counseling at community-based distribution events in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract Background Clients must recall information from contraceptive counseling sessions to properly use their chosen method. Client recall in community-based settings is challenging given the public nature of these events and the presence of many potential distractions. Understanding the factors that influence client recall during community-based distribution events can guide future training of providers to improve proper use of contraceptive methods and client satisfaction. Methods This cross-sectional study employed a convenience sample of 957 women ages 15–49 old who sought contraceptive services from community-based contraceptive distribution events in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as Lelo PF. Recall scores were developed by matching direct observations with client exit interviews. The association between recall and client characteristics, provider characteristics and an index for the quality of the provider-client interaction were tested using multivariate linear regression. Results The average recall score was 67.6%. Recall scores were higher among clients who accepted methods with simpler administration procedures, such as CycleBeads (81.3%), compared to methods requiring more medically advanced administration procedures, such as DMPA-SC (56.6%) and Implanon-NXT (62.1%). This relationship held even after controlling for amount of information each client received. Status as a first-time user was associated with a 5.8 percentage point decrease in recall score (p = 0.002). Time since the provider’s initial family planning training and clients’ perception of the provider-client interaction were associated with higher client recall scores. Conclusion Results of this study suggest that to improve client recall at Lelo PF events, future provider training should focus on how to deliver clear, specific information to clients, making sure clients feel at ease during the counseling session, and treating clients with respect. First-time family planning users and clients who select methods with more medically advanced administration procedures may require extra attention during the consultation to ensure they are able understand and remember the information. Results suggest that providers who have been offering services longer may be more effective in conveying information in a way that clients can remember. Program managers should consider requesting input from experienced providers to improve training sessions.

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Differences in family planning outcomes between military and general populations in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022295 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. e022295 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Pierre Akilimali ◽

Philip Anglewicz ◽

Henri Nzuka Engale ◽

Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga ◽

Julie Hernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Military Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Population ◽

Planning Methods ◽

Republic Of The Congo ◽

Two Populations ◽

Family Planning Methods

ObjectivesTo examine family planning outcomes among women living in military camps in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and compare these outcomes with a representative sample of non-military women in Kinshasa.ParticipantsWomen of reproductive ages, 15–49 years. We compare two populations: women living in military camps and the general (non-military) population in Kinshasa.Study designFor sampling, we used a two-stage cluster sampling design, where we first randomly selected enumeration areas (EA), and then randomly selected women within each EA (separately for each of the two populations). We administered a survey on contraceptive use and family planning to all participating women. We use bivariate and multivariate analysis to compare these populations for a range of family planning outcomes.ResultsWe find many statistically significant differences between women in military camps and general female population of Kinshasa. Although they do not have more children, women in military camps are less likely to be using contraception (all methods OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.53; modern methods OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.79; traditional methods OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.71) and less knowledgeable about many family planning methods (less likely to have heard of implants (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.48), injectables (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.44), condoms (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.47), withdrawal (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.17) and rhythm (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.44) methods), while at the same time they are more likely to want to limit their births (OR 5.17, 95% CI 2.52 to 10.62), and less likely to have obtained their preferred family planning method (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.64).ConclusionsWomen in military camps in Kinshasa appear to be an important and underserved population with regard to family planning. Our results suggest that women in military camps have limited access to modern family planning methods.

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

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-021-02713-0 ◽

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.

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Analytical Performance of the Exacto Test HIV Self-Test: A Cross-Sectional Field Study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa554 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Serge Tonen-Wolyec ◽

Jérémie Muwonga Masidi ◽

Luc Ferdinand Kamanga Lukusa ◽

Gaetan Nsiku Dikumbwa ◽

Angèle Sarassoro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Field Study ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Analytical Performance ◽

Viable Option ◽

Excellent Performance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Performance Sensitivity ◽

Self Testing ◽

Republic Of The Congo ◽

Self Test

Abstract The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has begun implementing HIV self-testing to boost the first “95” of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2025. This study aims to assess the performance and usability of the Exacto Test HIV (Biosynex, Strasbourg, France) self-test in the lab and in the field. The Exacto Test HIV self-test demonstrated high virological performance (sensitivity, 99.6%; specificity, 100%) in the lab and in the field in the hand of untrained users (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 98.9%). Taken together, the excellent performance and usability characteristics of the Exacto Test HIV (Biosynex) self-test make the kit a viable option for HIV self-testing in the DRC.

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Men’s involvement in family planning service utilization among married men in Kondala district, western Ethiopia: a community-based comparative cross-sectional study

Contraception and Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.1186/s40834-021-00160-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lemessa Assefa ◽

Zemenu Shasho ◽

Habtamu Kebebe Kasaye ◽

Edao Tesa ◽

Ebisa Turi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Service Utilization ◽

Family Planning Service ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Planning Service ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Western Ethiopia ◽

Men’S Involvement

Abstract Background Men involvement is one of the important factors in family planning (FP) service utilization. Their limitation in the family planning program causes a decrease in service utilization as well as the discontinuation of the method which eventually leads to failure of the program. Family planning uptake is low but there is no enough study conducted on the parameters of husband involvement in Ethiopia. Hence, this study focused to assess men’s involvement in family planning service utilization in Kondala district, western Ethiopia. Methods Community based comparative cross-sectional study design was employed in urban and rural kebeles of kondala district using quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. The multi-stage sampling method was employed to select 370 participants from each of the four urban and eight rural kebeles. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables that affect husbands’ involvement in FP service utilization. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI) and strength of association was reported by odds ratio (OR). Results The study showed that 203(55.6%) men from urban and 178(48.8%) from rural were involved in FP service utilization. The median age of the respondents was 36+ 8.5 years (IQR: 27.5–44.5) in urban and 35 years (IQR: 25–45) in rural parts. Respondents who had four and above current children (AOR = 3.25, 95%CI = 1.51–7.02) in urban and (AOR = 4.20, 95%CI = 1.80–9.79) in rural were positively associated with men’s involvement in FP service utilization. In the urban setting, being government employee (AOR = 2.58, 95%CI = 1.25–5.33), wishing less than two children (AOR = 3.08, 95%CI = 1.80–5.24) and having a better attitude towards FP methods (AOR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.16–2.99) were positively associated with FP service utilization. While good educational background (AOR = 2.13, 95%CI = 1.02–4.44), short distance from home to health facility (AOR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.24–4.19) and having better knowledge (AOR = 4.49, 95%CI = 2.72–7.38) were positively associated with men involvement in FP service utilization in the rural area. Conclusion Low involvement of men in family planning service utilization was reported in both settings. Factors associated with husbands’ involvement were varied between the two setups, except for the current number of children. Future FP program should incorporate infrastructure associated with the health facility, knowledge, and attitudinal factors.

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Revisiting Konzo Risk Factors in Three Areas Differently Affected by Spastic Paraparesis in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Discloses a Prominent Role of the Nutritional Status—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082628 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2628

Author(s):

Marius Baguma ◽

Espoir Bwenge Malembaka ◽

Esto Bahizire ◽

Germain Zabaday Mudumbi ◽

Dieudonné Bahati Shamamba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cyanide Poisoning ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Republic Of The Congo

This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to better understand the respective contributions of protein malnutrition and cassava-derived cyanide poisoning in the development of konzo. We compared data on nutritional status and cyanide exposure of school-age adolescent konzo-diseased patients to those of non-konzo subjects of similar age from three areas in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our results show that konzo patients had a high prevalence of both wasting (54.5%) and stunting (72.7%), as well as of cyanide poisoning (81.8%). Controls from Burhinyi and those from Idjwi showed a similar profile with a low prevalence of wasting (3.3% and 6.5%, respectively) and intermediate prevalence of stunting (26.7% and 23.9%, respectively). They both had a high prevalence of cyanide poisoning (50.0% and 63.0%, respectively), similar to konzo-patients. On the other hand, controls from Bukavu showed the lowest prevalence of both risk factors, namely chronic malnutrition (12.1%) and cyanide poisoning (27.6%). In conclusion, cassava-derived cyanide poisoning does not necessarily coexist with konzo outbreaks. The only factor differentiating konzo patients from healthy individuals exposed to cyanide poisoning appeared to be their worse nutritional status. This further suggests that, besides the known role of cyanide poisoning in the pathogenesis of konzo, malnutrition may be a key factor for the disease occurrence.

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The effect of gender norms on the association between violence and hope among girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Global Mental Health ◽

10.1017/gmh.2016.31 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

L. Stark ◽

K. Asghar ◽

S. Meyer ◽

G. Yu ◽

T. Bakemore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Violence Exposure ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Physical Violence ◽

Future Orientation ◽

Gender Norms ◽

Exposure To Violence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Republic Of The Congo

Background.Girls at early stages of adolescence are vulnerable to violence victimization in humanitarian contexts, but few studies examine factors that affect girls’ hope in these settings. We assessed attitudes toward traditional gender norms as an effect modifier of the relationship between violence exposure and future orientation in displaced girls.Methods.Secondary analysis, using multivariable regression of cross-sectional data from girls ages 10–14 in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Key variables of interest were attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV), Children's Hope Scale (CHS) score, and exposure to physical, emotional, and sexual violence within the last 12 months. Additional covariates included age, educational status, and territory.Results.The interaction of exposure to violence and attitudes toward IPV magnified the association between violence exposure and lower CHS score for physical violence (β = −0.09, p = 0.040) and unwanted sexual touching (β = −0.20, p = 0.003) among girls age 10–14, when adjusting for other covariates. The interaction of exposure to violence and attitudes toward IPV magnified the association between violence exposure and lower CHS score for forced sex (β = −0.22, p = 0.016) among girls age 13–14, when adjusting for covariates. Findings for emotional violence, any form of sexual violence, and coerced sex trended toward lower CHS scores for girls who reported higher acceptance of IPV, but did not reach significance.Conclusions.Findings support the utility of gender norms-transformative programming in increasing resilience of girls who have experienced sexual violence in humanitarian contexts.

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A first comprehensive inventory of Ascalaphidae, Palparidae, and Myrmeleontidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) of Northeastern Nigeria with description of two new species and an overview of genus Bankisus Navás

Historia naturalis bulgarica ◽

10.48027/hnb.43.051 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (5) ◽

pp. 51-77

Author(s):

André Prost ◽

Alexi Popov

Keyword(s):

Democratic Republic ◽

New Records ◽

National Museum ◽

Museum Collections ◽

Large Collection ◽

Two New Species ◽

Republic Of The Congo ◽

Plateau State ◽

New Synonymy ◽

First Time

Investigation of a large collection of Neuroptera from Northeastern Nigeria stored untouched in alcohol for four decades in the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, provided the opportunity to examine unpublished specimens and conduct a thorough review of published literature, establishing the first comprehensive inventory of Ascalaphidae, Palparidae, and Myrmeleontidae of Northeastern Nigeria to date. Specimens had been collected between 1976 and 1978 in Northeastern Nigeria, mostly in Jos City and Plateau State. Five species of Ascalaphidae, four of Palparidae, and 26 of Myrmeleontidae were identified. Bankisus beroni sp. n. and Creoleon nigrithorax sp. n. are described. Gymnoleon gaillardi is not considered a synonym of Gymnoleon exilis and a new synonymy is established: Gymnoleon externus (Navás, 1911) (= Gymnoleon gaillardi Navás, 1912, syn. n.). An examination of unpublished specimens in museum collections and an exhaustive literature review were conducted in order to draw up a comprehensive inventory of the fauna of Northeastern Nigeria, which to date comprises 11 species of Ascalaphidae, 12 species of Palparidae, and 34 species of Myrmeleontidae, of which one species of Ascalaphidae, two species of Palparidae, and 16 species of Myrmeleontidae, as well as the genera Brevibarbis, Bankisus, and Capicua, had not been reported to occur in Nigeria. The chorological information on the genus Bankisus is reviewed, the ranges of the species are critically discussed and corrected, and all known localities are indicated on a map. Bankisus oculatus is reported for the first time from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first recording of Centroclisis lineatipennis in West Africa is reported. Palpares cataractae and Palpares radiatus are deleted from the list of Nigerian fauna. With these new records, the known ranges of eight species are extended by more than 1400 km. In the process of assessing the geographical distribution of species present in Northeastern Nigeria, six species, as well as the genera Myrmecaelurus and Cueta and the tribe Nesoleontini, are reported for the first time from Burkina Faso.

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