Author(s) :

Ndjoo Shongo Benjamin, Lokale Lohose John, Bapidia Nzengu Samuel, Mutumbi Abeli Franck, Bernard Ntoto Nkuzi.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

In the Declaration of Alma Ata of September 1978, primary health care calls for maximum self-responsibility on the part of communities and individuals in the operation and control of primary health care. The response to HIV is weakened when community leadership, which is its lever for progress, suffers from a lack of recognition, support and resources. This is why the role of community leaders must be placed at the heart of all programs. The objective was to identify the Factors strengthening the impact of community leadership for an effective response to AIDS in the aforementioned Health Zone. The study was a prospective quantitative study, supported by direct individual interviews. The application of linear regression revealed a highly significant statistical relationship between participation in response activities (p-value = 0.000), availability and mastery of documents defining health policy in the response (p-value = 0.000), access to internal and external funding for the response (p-value = 0.000), training of leaders in AIDS response activities (P - Value = 0.008) and strengthening the impact of community leadership in the AIDS response in the Lodja Health Zone.

No. of Downloads :

10

Author(s) :

Tshapa Kasende Placide, Eloko Eya Matangelo Gérard.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The population of the Lodja health zone suffers from food insufficiency due to poor rainfall and/or climatic changes affectin g the agricultural zones of the Lodja region, and from acute micronutrient deficiencies. This situation also compromises the growth of children and women living in the health zone, affecting their ability to learn and work, and hampering the economic growth of entire communities. The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of malnutrition in the Ototo health zone. It is a crosssectional descriptive study with an analytical focus. We used a random sampling method with a four-stage sampling technique represented as follows: in the first stage, we have the health areas of the health zone; in the second stage, we have the avenues; in the third stage, the households and children under five; in the fourth stage, with the statistical units. The study population was made up of households with children under five in the Ototo health zone. There were 470 households with target children. The results reveal that for acute malnutrition, parity ≥ 5, source of drinking water, weaning age < 24 months were factors whose presence statistically significantly reduced the risk of occurrence. The more positive these variables were, the less likely the child was to suffer from malnutrition. For chronic malnutrition, measles vaccination had an important protective role, although the relationship was not statistically significant. The more children were vaccinated, the less likely they were to suffer from malnutrition.

No. of Downloads :

2

Author(s) :

Omombo Kiyonge Pascal, Mukandu Basua Babintu Leyka, Yassa Yonniene Pierre.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study presents an analysis of sanitary conditions in Kinshasa's penitentiary centers, highlighting the challenges faced by prisoners on a daily basis. Focusing on inmates' experiences, the study reveals that they endure extremely degraded living conditions, marked by an unhealthy environment, inadequate nutrition, and lack of appropriate medical care. The aim of this research is to understand and document these conditions of detention, with a view to raising the authorities' awareness of the need for urgent reform of the prison system. It is being carried out using a phenomenological qualitative approach, based on interviews with prisoners. This methodology makes it possible to gather direct, personal testimonies, offering an in-depth view of the suffering experienced. The data collected reveals particularly precarious hygiene conditions, with prisons often unhea lthy and overcrowded, generating unbearable heat. In addition, prisoners are deprived of adequate medical care, leading to untreated illness and deteriorating health. Prisoners also suffer institutional abuse and mistreatment, amplifying the suffering and injustice they endure. Deplorable sanitary conditions, lack of health care and lack of respect for human rights make these prisons a veritable hell for inmates. This study underlines the urgent need for structural reforms to guarantee detention conditions that respect the fundamental rights of prisoners in Kinshasa.

No. of Downloads :

2

Author(s) :

Kiniangi Keza Eugénie, Bapidia Nzengu Samuel, Botomba Ntambwe Steve, Mafuta Vampeke Yves, Mukandu Basua Babintu Leyka, Tshitadi Makangu Augustin.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

International public policies aim to make access to healthcare uniform, ensuring equal access for the entire population. However, around 1.4 billion people worldwide still lack access to essential health services. In the Kikwit Sud health zone, many families face economic difficulties that limit their access to medical care. The aim of this study is to determine, based on the experiences of the children's parents, the perspectives, determinants and interventions that could promote access to healthcare in the Kikwit Sud health zone. A phenomenological approach operationalized by semi-directed interviews was used. Information saturation was reached from the eighth respondent onwards, but ten respondents were finally interviewed to confirm the absence of new themes. The results of our study show that parents are informed about available services, but often favor home care to limit the often high costs of care. Some parents reported that a warmer welcome is reserved for families with greater financial resources. To improve access to care for children, parents suggested cost reduction, increased availability of medicines, improved infrastructure, increased financial support, free or more accessible services, improved working conditions for caregivers, and the establishment of an integrated healthcare system.

No. of Downloads :

2

Author(s) :

Tshibola Badiambile Veronique, Bapidia Nzengu Samuel, Patrick Kasonga Kabamba, Lofandjola Masumbuku Jacques, Mukandu Basua Babintu Leyka.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The care of Alzheimer's patients in the city of Kananga in particular, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo in general, poses many challenges, both in terms of nursing care and family expectations. This study aims to understand the needs and expectations of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease, their family members and healthcare staff in terms of care. It opts for a qualitative approach using non-probability convenience sampling. It is an exploratory descriptive qualitative study that aims at a careful and systematic description of what is perceived by patients, families, caregivers and mental health care experts. Data collection was cross-sectional. It applies the phenomenological method, which aims for a careful and systematic description of what is perceived by these key informants. The data collected reveal t hat Alzheimer's patients in Kananga face nursing care challenges due to their vulnerability linked to loss of autonomy, management of daily activities and cognitive impairment. The need for medical care, particularly in managing treatments and drug interactions, is crucial but insufficiently covered. Social aspects, such as isolation and stigmatization, profoundly affect patients and their families, who face a lack of resources to address them. Mental and emotional disorders, such as confusion, agitation and depression, also complicate care management. Patients and families expect a holistic approach, integrating medical, social and psychological care.

No. of Downloads :

1

Author(s) :

Katolo Nankwaya Denise, Bapidia Nzengu Samuel, Mukandu Basua Babintu Leyka, Tshitadi Makangu Augustin.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

In Kikwit, the skills-based approach is theoretically implemented, but in practice, its existence is difficult to demonstrate, given that teaching is still oriented towards the Objective-Based Approach. This shortcoming can be seen in many of Kikwit's ITMs. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of integrating the solidarity fund into the implementation of the competencybased approach in Kikwit's technical medical schools, taking into account the experiential experience of the educational players. We used a phenomenological survey, based on a qualitative approach. The understanding of APC is mostly positive, with a consensus around the idea that this approach places the learner at the center of the educational process. The integration of APC into ITM seems to have been gradual, with particular attention paid to teacher training. The changes observed since the adoption of APC are significant. The challenges involved in adopting APC are manifold. On the one hand, infrastructure and material resources are lacking, making it difficult to implement modern teaching methods. The solidarity fund at the Institut Technique Médical (ITM) is seen as an internal financial support, mainly for teachers and the institution, with contributions coming largely from students, while the management of this fund. The solidarity fund and the APC seem to work in synergy, each supporting the other for a more effective and comprehensive implementation of educational reforms within schools.

No. of Downloads :

7

Author(s) :

Kilima Musamba Jean Pierre, Eloko Eya Matangelo Gérard, Ntoto Kunzi Bernard.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

After noting the low involvement of community relays in the Kabondo health zone in primary health care activities, we thought it would be useful to conduct a study on the determinants of the low involvement of community relays in primary health care activities: t he case of the Kabondo health zone, Tshopo province. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on a quantitative paradigm. The sample size consisted of 73 community health workers, representing 10% of the total population. Data collection was conducted through interviews supported by a pre-established questionnaire. The collected data were encoded and analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 22. The results of this study revealed that the determinants of low participation of community health workers in primary healthcare activities include the lack of reimbursement for medical expenses during surveys (78.1%), the workload of respondents outside the Health Zone’s activities (56.8%), the absence of benefits after completing health-related activities (63%), and the lack of training and refresher courses provided to CHWs by the Health Zone authorities (71.3%). These findings highlight the importance of an integrated approach to enhance the participation of community health workers. Thus, tailored training programs, better resource allocation, and increased recognition of their role are essential to improving their engagement. The low participation of community health workers in primary healthcare activities is due to the non-reimbursement of medical expenses, the workload outside the activities of the health zone, the lack of certain benefits after completing health activities, and the lack of training and refresher courses for community health workers by the health zone authorities.

No. of Downloads :

3

Author(s) :

Kamoni Kakolongo Victor, Kiluba Tshikala Pitchou, Mukandu Basua Babintu Leyka, Marie-Claire Omanyondo Ohambe.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Intentional termination of pregnancy and clandestine abortion pose a serious public health problem throughout the world, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is not spared from this scourge. Our preliminary study seeks to highlight the various causes of abortion of pregnancy among students at the Lycée Molende de Buta in Bas-Uélé Province, during the 2023-2024 school year, with 75 cases recorded. The results show that the frequency of abortion in this sample is 14.3%. The majority of respondents were aged between 21 and 23 (34.6%), and 28% were in the 6th year of secondary school. In terms of gestational age, 32% of cases were at 11-12 weeks' amenorrhea. All respondents presented clinical signs such as vaginal bleeding, lumbopelvic pain and fever, followed by expulsion of the egg. Hemorrhagic complications were observed in 82.6% of cases. 72% of participants had a single abortion, and 42.6% used modern abortion drugs. Fear of parental reaction was cited as the main reason for abortion by 53% of respondents. Finally, 90.6% of participants received medical and psychological care.

No. of Downloads :

3