Author(s) :

Tshilambikila Ngandu Timothée, Makangu Tshitadi Augustin, Luzolo Kafinga Emery.

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The present study attempts to describe the predictors of failure among finalist learners at Medical Technical Institutes (ITM) using the competency-based approach in Kwilu province. It is conducted among finalist learners who failed the final year once at ITM Mosango from 2019 to 2024. After the session, the ITM finalist learner is faced with a result, either success or failure. The latter beats the record at 38% of cases, with 25% of finalists eliminated from the program for having obtained less than 50%. This leads to a low enrolment rate of 15%, school drop-out, juvenile delinquency, unqualified carers, etc. After the survey, the study shows that, overall, the respondents met our acceptability criterion of 60% or more. Four predictors of failure were grouped together by the respondents. Individual, institutional, socioeconomic and socio-environmental predictors, which are a major concern in the field of health sciences education. The results identified from subjects who have experienced the realities of failure at ITM/Mosango lead us to confirm that the above-mentioned predictors are at the root of the failures of finalist learners, and we ask learners to avoid these predictors of failure, and national, provincial, local and school authorities to get involved in this reform of health sciences education to produce competent, motivated health personnel in sufficient quantity to provide quality health services.

No. of Downloads :

21

Author(s) :

Etshindo Salomon Kasongo, Indani Jean-Chrétien Remo, Djema Angélique Ndongo, Eloko Gérard Eya Matengelo, Ntoto Bernard Kunzi.

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Poverty is one of the main obstacles to access to obstetric care for Congolese women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where maternal and neonatal mortality remains high. Within the framework of universal health coverage, the DRC has introduced a program of free maternity care, which aims to contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. This exploratory qualitative study was carried out to gather the opinions of women benefiting from free maternity care, using semi-structured interview methods and an audio recording technique based on an interview guide. The data were analyzed using a thematic approach, with categories and sub-themes developed from the participants' verbatim. Keywords : Opinions, free maternity care, universal health coverage, Democratic Republic of Congo.

No. of Downloads :

39

Author(s) :

Tshilanda Dinangayi Dorrothée, Ngoyi Matshimba Etienne, Umba Phoba Divine, Kasiama Nkal Giresse, Kabengele Nkongolo Carlos, Bete Mvita Juvenal, Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Jean-Paul, Mpiana Tshimankinda Pius, Tshibangu S.T. Damien.

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Plants, especially medicinal varieties, play a vital role in human health. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical properties and evaluate the antisickling activity of Vigna radiata, cultivated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Results indicate the presence of various chemical compounds, including total polyphenols (239.84 ± 0.57 mg EQ/g), flavonoids (8.089 ± 0.046 mg EQ/g), anthocyanins (0.503 ± 0.003 mg/g), hydrolyzable tannins (0.084 ± 0.002%), and condensed tannins (0.041 ± 0.001%), along with a foam index of 150 for saponins. The mineral composition, determined through X-ray fluorescence, revealed significant levels of Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn. Extraction of V. radiata seeds was performed with solvents of increasing polarity, and the aqueous extract displayed notable antioxidant activity at 25 µg/mL, with an 81.923±8.9% inhibition rate. Furthermore, the DCM extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects at 3 mg/mL, inhibiting egg albumin denaturation by 22.72±2.4%. The aqueous extract exhibited antibacterial effects, inhibiting Escherichia coli (18±1.8 mm) and Salmonella SPS (22±3.1 mm), with Staphylococcus aureus showing intermediate sensitivity (10±1.5 mm), whereas Citrobacter diversus showed full resistance. Antisickling activity was significant in the aqueous extract, with normalization rates of 90%, 75%, and 60% at concentrations of 5 µg/mL, 2.5 µg/mL, and 1.25 µg/mL, respectively.

No. of Downloads :

73

Author(s) :

Banlipo DJAKAMBI, Madjouma KANDA, Abalo ATATO, Marra DOURMA, Bimare KOMBATE, Fousséni FOLEGA, Baholy Rahelivololoniaina ROBIJAONA, Atsu Kudzo GUELLY, Komlan BATAWILA, Koffi AKPAGANA.

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The aim of this study is to analyse the evolutionary trajectories of these agroforestry systems in order to identify the main drivers of change that influence their resilient and sustainable management in the Sudanian zone of Togo. Specifically, the aim is to: analyse the main changes that have occurred since 1960; characterise the evolutionary trajectories; and determine the drivers of change that could help to understand the evolution of these systems. The data were collected using a retrospective and prospective diagnostic survey of a sample of farmers, including resource persons, following the Historical-Sociological Investigation Method by means of semi-structured interviews. A Principal Component Analysis coupled with an Ascending Hierarchical Classification was used to study the main stages in the development of these systems. Despite having adopted various measures to promote their adaptability, profound changes have marked the evolution of these systems, testing their limits in the face of these challenges. In this context of adaptability, the results reveal two major transition models: a ‘model of transition from indigenous agricultural systems to extensive and sustainable systems’, dominant in ecological zone I with 47.44% of the systems surveyed, and an ‘agro-ecological transition model towards sustainable, innovative and resilient systems’, dominant in ecological zone II with 52.56% of the said systems. In this duality of agroforestry system management models, it is essential to analyse the evolutionary trajectories and drivers of change in order to draw up appropriate agricultural and environmental policies, with a view to the possible transplantation of these trajectories for sustainable and resilient agriculture both within and between ecological zones.

No. of Downloads :

48

Author(s) :

Landu Makesi Alpha-Sandul, Kafinga L. Emery, Omanyondo O. Marie-Claire.

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The aim of this study was to understand pregnant women's perceptions of vaccination against COVID-19. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Data was collected through individual interviews and focus groups. Data analysis consisted of a thematic analysis of the content of the interviews. The target population was made up of pregnant women who had attended the maternity units selected for the study in the Binza Ozone Health Zone. The main results showed that pregnant women's willingness to be vaccinated was hampered by fear and concern about serious adverse post-vaccinal events, congenital malformations in the unborn baby, premature deliveries and low birth weight babies. Vaccinating pregnant women against COVID-19 is one of the effective strategies that can be put in place to protect them from the fatal complications of COVID-19.

No. of Downloads :

99

Author(s) :

Mabola Tsinu Sébastien, Bapidia Nzengu Samuel, Ngimbi Ngimbi Jean, Onoya Wedi Josué, Ntoto Kunzi Bernard, Kafinga Luzolo Emeri.

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Neonatal mortality disturbs the whole of humanity. Its frequency remains very high throughout the world, but more so in developing countries. The DRC is ranked among the countries with the highest number of neonatal deaths in the world with the ratio of 47 per 1000 live births, (Kalonji DC et al 2018). Indeed, the province of Kongo Central has not remained indifferent to this health problem. With a view to improving newborn health during the neonatal period, the present study is conducted and envisages identifying the determinants of neonatal mortality in Kongo Central Province. For this study, the general population consisted of all newborns in the Province of Kongo Central from 2021 to 2022. A random sample of 117 cases met the inclusion criteria, of which we matched 1 case to 2 controls. After data analysis, we found the following results: the overall neonatal mortality rate was 333 per thousand live births. The logistic regression model identified the following determinants of neonatal mortality: age (OR= 1.16562 IC95 [1.035635 -1.3163]. p=0.0105), age less than 2 years (OR= 2.01966 IC95 [1.021601-4.058]. p=0.0449) and acute fetal distress (OR=2.62027IC95 [1.179464-5.878]. p=0.0181). In order to improve neonatal health, pregnant women should be made aware of the importance of prenatal consultations for early detection and appropriate management of high-risk pregnancies. They should be present at the onset of labor and give birth in the presence of qualified personnel.

No. of Downloads :

11

Author(s) :

Mbongopasi Ekeni Bertine, Kunda Motema Charisme , Mamanya Tapasa Fernand, Makengo Sangu Eddy, Mazaba Mata Justin, Bolamba Ghelogo Edouard5.

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This study aims to assess and monitor factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among residents of the N’djili health zone. Using a methodological approach, we conducted survey among residents to collect data on their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the vaccine. The results show that several factors influence vaccination acceptance, such as education level, access to information, trust in health authorities, and personal experiences related to COVID-19. Data analysis helps identify appropriate communication strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and mobeilize the population.

No. of Downloads :

37

Author(s) :

Nzuzi Nimi Marie Thérèse, Eloko Eya Matangelo Gérard, Kafinga Luzolo Emery.

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This study examines factors associated with maternal mortality from 01 January 2020 to 31 December 2023 at the general referral hospital and in health centres and maternity units in the Kisenso health zone in the Kinshasa provincial health division. We used advanced statistics, with survival analysis performed using the Kaplan Meier estimator. The Cox model helped us to identify the factors associated with maternal mortality, as it is suitable for this type of study. The results of the analysis of our data show that the factors associated with maternal mortality of pregnant women and women who have recently given birth are: factors related to pregnancy, factors related to management and factors related to gynaecological and obstetric characteristics. Taking these factors into account can contribute to the implementation of interventions aimed at significantly reducing maternal mortality at central, intermediate and operational levels.

No. of Downloads :

52