TITLE:
Community-Based Pregnant Women Initiative to Support Emergency Obstetric Care in Kimpese Health Zone, Province of Kogo Central, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Lukanu Ngwala Philippe, Nkodila Natuhoyila Aliocha, Landu Niati Jean Destin, Matondo Batomanitu Joél, Mahema Lutabu Roger, Fina Lubaki Jean Pierre
KEYWORDS:
Emergency Obstetric Care, Maternal, Mortality, Rural, Pregnant Women
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.12 No.6,
June
20,
2022
ABSTRACT: Background: Maternal mortality remains high in low- and
middle-income countries. Many maternal deaths occur within hospitals often due
to a lack of access to basic emergency obstetric care (Emoc). Aim: The
study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a community-based pregnant women
initiative to support emergency obstetric care in a Kimpese Health Zone (HZ). Setting: Kimpese Health Zone, Province of Central Kongo, in the South Western of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Results: Four hundred and thirty-five women were received for Emoc between January
2008 and June 2011, 75% were aged between 18 - 34 years old. Mechanical
dystocia was the first cause of emergencies (34%). The diagnosis concordance
between the transfers and the reasons for the transfer was weak and not
statistically significant (Kappa = 0.350, p = 0.405). After the évaluation of
the newborns, a favorable outcome was noted after the 10th day of de
follow-up (95.4%). In multivariate analysis, the lack of ANC visits, the
waiting time > 1 hour before the visit at the referral hospital, and
assisted birth were the factors associated with the unfavorable obstetric
outcomes. Conclusion: Improvement in maternal health involves better
preparation of the community and the healthcare system for Emergency Obstetric
Care. Research is needed for innovative and effective interventions in resource
constraints settings.