Césarienne à Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo I: fréquence, indications et mortalité maternelle et périnatale

Introduction: La fréquence de la césarienne (CS) ne cesse d'augmenter ces dernières décennies mais cette augmentation diffère énormément d'un pays à un autre et dans un même milieu, d'une institution médicale à une autre. L'objectif de cette étude est d'étudier la fréquence, les indications et la morbi-mortalité maternelle et périnatale de la césarienne (CS) à Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo (RDC).Méthodes: Étude multicentrique, rétrospective, descriptive et analytique de 3643 CS consécutives sur un total de 34199 accouchements dans cinq formations hospitalières de référence à Lubumbashi (RDC) entre le 1er janvier 2009 et le 31 décembre 2013. Les données sociodémographiques, les indications, l'environnement obstétrical et la morbi-mortalité maternelle et périnatale ont été analysés au logiciel Epi Info 2011. Les fréquences exprimées en pourcentage et les moyennes avec leurs écart-types ont été calculés. Le test de Chi-carré et le test exact de Fisher lorsque recommandés ont été utilisés pour la comparaison des fréquences au seuil de signification de p<0,05.Résultats: La fréquence moyenne de césarienne était de 10,65%. Elle est passée de 10,24% en 2009 à 11,38% en 2013 soit une croissance de 11,13% (p=0,03). Cinquante-un virgule quatre pourcent de CS étaient effectuées après tentative de la voie basse et 48,6% dans un contexte d'urgence obstétricale. Les indications sont restées constantes et dominées par la disproportion foeto-pelvienne (18,6%), la souffrance foetale aiguë (11,9%), la mal présentation foetale (10,1%), le placenta prævia (9,2%) et le bassin rétréci (8,4%). La morbidité maternelle s'élève à 11,6% matérialisée par les complications hémorragiques dans 6,1%. La mortalité maternelle globale est passée de 2,3‰ en 2009 à 6,4‰ en 2013 soit une inflation de 178,26%. Pour la voie haute, elle est passée de 4‰ à 16,7‰ pour les 4 dernières années prises ensemble équivalant à une inflation de 317,5% (p=0,005) contre 2,1‰à 2,8‰ (33,33% d'inflation ; p=0,296) pour la voie basse au cours de la même période. La mortalité périnatale globale a connu une augmentation de 56,04% l'année 2010 (p=0,0000) et 43,36% en 2013 (p=0,0000). Concernant la CS, l'on notera une amélioration de la mortalité périnatale de 48,64% les trois premières années suivant 2009 (59,4‰contre 70,5‰; p=0,3278), amélioration à laquelle succédera une hausse de 46,52% (p=0,026). Globalement, la mortalité périnatale n'aura pas été significativement modifiée par la dynamique évolutive de la CS durant ces 5 années.Conclusion: Les cinq dernières années, la pratique de la CS à Lubumbashi (RDC) a connu une croissance de plus de 11% sans évolution de ses indications ni dividendes maternelles et périnatales.Mots clés: Césarienne, fréquence, indications, évolution, mortalité maternelle et périnatale, Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du CongoEnglish Title: Cesarean section in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo I: frequency, indications and maternal and perinatal mortalityEnglish AbstractIntroduction: The frequency of cesarean section (CS) has been steadily growing over recent decades but this growth varies enormously from one country to another and in the same environment as well as from one medical institution to another. This study aims to investigate the frequency, the indications and the maternal and perinatal morbi-mortality in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, descriptive and analytic study of 3643 consecutive CS out of a total of 34199 deliveries in five hospital referral departments in Lubumbashi (DRC) between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013. We analyzed sociodemographic data,indications, obstetrical environment and perinatal morbi-mortality using Epi Info 2011 software. We calculated the frequencies expressed as a percentage and the means expressed in terms of standard deviations. We used chi-square test and Fisher exact probability test, when recommended, for the comparison of the frequencies having a significance threshold of p<0.05.Results: The mean frequency of CS was 10.65%. It rose from 10.24% in 2009 to 11.38% in 2013, corresponding to growth of 11,13% (p=0.03). 51.4% of CS were performed after attempting vaginal birth and 48.6% were performed in a context of obstetric emergency. Indications were constant and dominated by fetopelvic disproportion (18.6%), acute fetal distress (11.9%), fetal malpresentation (10.1%), placenta previa (9.2%) and narrowed basin (8.4%). Maternal morbidity rose to 11.6%, it was characterized by bleeding complications in 6.1%. Overall maternal mortality rose from 2.3‰ in 2009 to 6.4‰in 2013, corresponding to growth of 178,26%. Cesarean section rose from 4‰ to 16.7‰ in the last 4 years taken together, corresponding to growth of 317.5% (p=0.005) versus 2.1‰ to 2.8‰ (growth of 33.33%; p=0.296) for vaginal birth during the same period. Overall perinatal mortality rose to 56,04% in 2010 (p=0.0000) and 43.36% in 2013 (p=0.0000). With regard to CS, there was a reduction in perinatal mortality of 48,64% in the first three years after 2009 (59.4‰ versus 70.5‰; p=0,3278), this reduction was followed by an increase of 46,52% (p=0.026). Overall perinatal mortality wasn't significantly altered by changing dynamics in CS during these 5 years.Conclusion: In the last five years, CS in Lubumbashi (DRC) experienced growth of more than 11% without neither indications changes nor maternal and perinatal dividends.Keywords: Cesarean section, frequency, indications, change, maternal and perinatal mortality, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC

Carcinome épidermoïde de la vulve sur une grossesse gémellaire: à propos d’un cas aux cliniques universitaires de Lubumbashi

Nous rapportons un cas de carcinome épidermoïde de la vulve chez gestante porteuse d'une grosse gémellaire qui a consulté dans le service de gynéco-obstetrique des Cliniques Universitaires de Lubumbashi à un stade avancé de la pathologie et après avoir essayé un traitement insuffisant ailleurs.Pan African Medical Journal 2013; 14: 7

Prévalence du surpoids et de l’obésité chez l’adolescent en milieu scolaire à Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo

Introduction: le surpoids et l’obésité au cours de l’adolescence constituent un problème préoccupant de santé publique à l’échelle mondiale en raison de leur retentissement potentiel sur la santé et de leur fréquence croissante. La présente étude avait pour objectif de déterminer la prévalence du surpoids et de l’obésité chez les adolescents scolarisés dans les établissements publics et privés à Lubumbashi, en République Démocratique du Congo. Méthodes: il s’agissait d’une étude transversale menée auprès de 5.341 adolescents âgés de 10 à 19 ans, dont 2.858 (53,5%) filles et 2.483 (46,5%) garçons ont constitué notre échantillon. Pour chacun d’eux, nous avons mesuré le poids et la taille puis calculé l’indice de masse corporelle (IMC). Résultats: la moyenne du poids était de 43,78 ± 11,62 kg (soit 42,39 ± 12,11 kg pour les garçons et 44,95 ± 11,04 kg pour les filles), celle de la taille était de 151,30 ± 13,09 cm (soit 151,20 ± 14,64 cm pour les garçons et 151,38 ± 11,58 cm pour les filles) et celle de l’IMC était de 18,82 ± 3,15 kg/m2 (soit 19,39 ± 3,39 kg/m2 pour les garçons et 18,17 ± 2,71 kg/m2 pour les filles). La prévalence du surpoids était de 8% et celle de l’obésité était de 1%. Les filles étaient significativement plus touchées par le surpoids (10,7% filles contre 5% garçons) et l’obésité (1,5 % filles contre 0,4% garçons) que les garçons. Conclusion: le surpoids et l’obésité chez les adolescents en milieu scolaire s’avèrent une réalité à Lubumbashi. La détermination de la prévalence du surpoids et de l’obésité pour cette catégorie d’âge au plan national est recommandable pour leurs préventions et prises en charges

Capacity building of district health management teams in the era of provincial health administration reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a realist evaluation protocol

Introduction In 2006, the Congolese Ministry of Health developed a health system strengthening strategy focusing on health district development. This strategy called for reforming the provincial health administration in order to better support the health district development through leadership and management capacity building of district health management teams. The implementation is currently underway, yet, more evidence on how, for whom and under what conditions this capacity building works is needed. The proposed research aims to address this gap using a realist evaluation approach.Methods and analysis We will follow the cycle of the realist evaluation. First, we will elicit the initial programme theory through a scoping review (completed in December 2022, using MEDLINE, Health Systems Evidence, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and grey literature), a review of health policy documents (completed in March 2023), and interviews with key stakeholders (by June 2023). Second, we will empirically test the initial programme theory using a multiple-embedded case study design in two provincial health administrations and four health districts (by March 2024). Data will be collected through document reviews, in-depth interviews, non-participant observations, a questionnaire, routine data from the health information management system and a context mapping tool. We will analyse data using the Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanism-Outcome configuration heuristic. Last, we will refine the initial programme theory based on the results of the empirical studies and develop recommendations for policymakers (by June 2024).Ethics and dissemination The Institutional Review Board of the Institute of Tropical Medicine and the Medical Ethics Committee of the University of Lubumbashi approved this study. We will also seek approvals from provincial-level and district-level health authorities before data collection in their jurisdictions. We will disseminate the study findings through the publication of articles in peer-reviewed academic journals, policy briefs for national policymakers and presentations at national and international conferences

The role of provincial health administration in supporting district health management teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo: eliciting an initial programme theory of a realist evaluation

Abstract Background In 2006, the Ministry of Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo designed a strategy to strengthen the health system by developing health districts. This strategy included a reform of the provincial health administration to provide effective technical support to district health management teams in terms of leadership and management. The provincial health teams were set up in 2014, but few studies have been done on how, for whom, and under what circumstances their support to the districts works. We report on the development of an initial programme theory that is the first step of a realist evaluation seeking to address this knowledge gap. Methods To inform the initial programme theory, we collected data through a scoping review of primary studies on leadership or management capacity building of district health managers in sub-Saharan Africa, a review of policy documents and interviews with the programme designers. We then conducted a two-step data analysis: first, identification of intervention features, context, actors, mechanisms and outcomes through thematic content analysis, and second, formulation of intervention–context–actor–mechanism–outcome (ICAMO) configurations using a retroductive approach. Results We identified six ICAMO configurations explaining how effective technical support (i.e. personalised, problem-solving centred and reflection-stimulating) may improve the competencies of the members of district health management teams by activating a series of mechanisms (including positive perceived relevance of the support, positive perceived credibility of provincial health administration staff, trust in provincial health administration staff, psychological safety, reflexivity, self-efficacy and perceived autonomy) under specific contextual conditions (including enabling learning environment, integration of vertical programmes, competent public health administration staff, optimal decision space, supportive work conditions, availability of resources and absence of negative political influences). Conclusions We identified initial ICAMO configurations that explain how provincial health administration technical support for district health management teams is expected to work, for whom and under what conditions. These ICAMO configurations will be tested in subsequent empirical studies

Understanding the mix of services for mental health care in urban DR Congo: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract Background Mental health workers (MHWs) are exposed to conflicts of competence daily when performing tasks related to the provision of mental health services. This may be linked to a lack of understanding of their tasks as caregivers and providers. Furthermore, in most low-income settings, it is unclear how the available services are organized and coordinated to provide mental health care. To understand the above, this study aimed to identify the current mix of services for mental health care in the urban Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods A qualitative descriptive study was carried out in Lubumbashi from February to April 2021. We conducted 7 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 74 key informants (family members, primary care physicians, etc.) and 13 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with key informants (traditional healers, psychiatrists, etc.). We performed a qualitative content analysis, guided by an analytical framework, that led to the development of a comprehensive inventory of MHWs from the household level to specialized facilities, exploring their tasks in care delivery, identifying existing services, and defining their current organization. Results Analysis of transcripts from the FGDs and IDIs showed that traditional healers and family caregivers are the leading providers in Lubumbashi. The exploration of the tasks performed by MHWs revealed that lifestyle, traditional therapies, psychotherapy, and medication are the main types of care offered/advised to patients. Active informal caregivers do not currently provide care corresponding to their competencies. The rare mental health specialists available do not presently recognize the tasks of primary care providers and informal caregivers in care delivery, and their contribution is considered marginal. We identified five types of services: informal services, traditional therapy services, social services, primary care services, and psychiatric services. Analyses pointed out an inversion of the ideal mix of these services. Conclusions Our findings show a suboptimal mix of services for mental health and point to a clear lack of collaboration between MHWs. There is an urgent need to clearly define the tasks of MHWs, build the capacity of nonspecialists, shift mental health-related tasks to them, and raise awareness about collaborative care approaches

Mental health care in the city of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Analysis of demand, supply and operational response capacity of the health district of Tshamilemba.

BackgroundIntegrating mental health care into the primary care system is an important policy option in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). From the perspective of the integration of mental health care in district health services, this study analyzed the existing demand and supply of mental health care in the health district of Tshamilemba, which is located in Lubumbashi, the second largest city of the DRC. We critically examined the district's operational response capacity to address mental health.MethodsA multimethod cross-sectional exploratory study was carried out. We conducted a documentary review (including an analysis of the routine health information system) from the health district of Tshamilemba. We further organized a household survey to which 591 residents responded and conducted 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 50 key stakeholders (doctors, nurses, managers, community health workers and leaders, health care users). The demand for mental health care was analyzed through the assessment of the burden of mental health problems and care-seeking behaviors. The burden of mental disorders was assessed by calculating a morbidity indicator (proportion of mental health cases) and through a qualitative analysis of the psychosocial consequences as perceived by the participants. Care-seeking behavior was analyzed by calculating health service utilization indicators and more specifically the relative frequency of mental health complaints in primary health care centers, and by analyzing FGDs participants' reports. The mental health care supply available was described by using the qualitative analysis of the declarations of the participants (providers and users of care) to the FGDs and by analyzing the package of care available in the primary health care centers. Finally, the district's operational response capacity was assessed by making an inventory of all available resources and by analyzing qualitative data provided by health providers and managers regarding the district' capacity to address mental health conditions.ResultsAnalysis of technical documents indicated that the burden of mental health problems is a major public problem in Lubumbashi. However, the proportion of mental health cases among the general patient population seen in the outpatient curative consultations in the Tshamilemba district remains very low, at an estimated 5.3%. The interviews not only pointed to a clear demand for mental health care but also indicated that there is currently hardly any offer of care available in the district. There are no dedicated psychiatric beds, nor is there a psychiatrist or psychologist available. Participants in the FGDs stated that in this context, the main source of care for people remains traditional medicine.ConclusionOur findings show a clear demand for mental health care and a lack of formal mental health care supply in the Tshamilemba district. Moreover, this district lacks adequate operational capacity to meet the mental health needs of the population. Traditional African medicine is currently the main source of mental health care in this health district. Identifying concrete priority mental health actions to address this gap, by making evidence-based mental care available, is therefore of great relevance

How capacity building of district health managers has been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review and best fit framework analysis

Objectives We aimed to understand how capacity building programmes (CBPs) of district health managers (DHMs) have been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa. We focused on identifying the underlying assumptions behind leadership and management CBPs at the district level.Design Scoping review.Data sources We searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Health Systems Evidence, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar) on 6 April 2021 and 13 October 2022. We also searched for grey literature and used citation tracking.Eligibility criteria We included all primary studies (1) reporting leadership or management capacity building of DHMs, (2) in sub-Saharan Africa, (3) written in English or French and (4) published between 1 January 1987 and 13 October 2022.Data extraction and synthesis Three independent reviewers extracted data from included articles. We used the best fit framework synthesis approach to identify an a priori framework that guided data coding, analysis and synthesis. We also conducted an inductive analysis of data that could not be coded against the a priori framework.Results We identified 2523 papers and ultimately included 44 papers after screening and assessment for eligibility. Key findings included (1) a scarcity of explicit theories underlying CBPs, (2) a diversity of learning approaches with increasing use of the action learning approach, (3) a diversity of content with a focus on management rather than leadership functions and (4) a diversity of evaluation methods with limited use of theory-driven designs to evaluate leadership and management capacity building interventions.Conclusion This review highlights the need for explicit and well-articulated programme theories for leadership and management development interventions and the need for strengthening their evaluation using theory-driven designs that fit the complexity of health systems

How capacity building of district health managers has been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review and best fit framework analysis

Objectives We aimed to understand how capacity building programmes (CBPs) of district health managers (DHMs) have been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa. We focused on identifying the underlying assumptions behind leadership and management CBPs at the district level. Design Scoping review. Data sources We searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Health Systems Evidence, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar) on 6 April 2021 and 13 October 2022. We also searched for grey literature and used citation tracking. Eligibility criteria We included all primary studies (1) reporting leadership or management capacity building of DHMs, (2) in sub-Saharan Africa, (3) written in English or French and (4) published between 1 January 1987 and 13 October 2022. Data extraction and synthesis Three independent reviewers extracted data from included articles. We used the best fit framework synthesis approach to identify an a priori framework that guided data coding, analysis and synthesis. We also conducted an inductive analysis of data that could not be coded against the a priori framework. Results We identified 2523 papers and ultimately included 44 papers after screening and assessment for eligibility. Key findings included (1) a scarcity of explicit theories underlying CBPs, (2) a diversity of learning approaches with increasing use of the action learning approach, (3) a diversity of content with a focus on management rather than leadership functions and (4) a diversity of evaluation methods with limited use of theory-driven designs to evaluate leadership and management capacity building interventions. Conclusion This review highlights the need for explicit and well-articulated programme theories for leadership and management development interventions and the need for strengthening their evaluation using theory-driven designs that fit the complexity of health systems.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Indirect Effects of Ebola Virus Disease Epidemics on Health Systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia: A Scoping Review Supplemented with Expert Interviews

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemics have been extensively documented and have received large scientific and public attention since 1976. Until July 2022, 16 countries worldwide had reported at least one case of EVD, resulting in 43 epidemics. Most of the epidemics occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but the largest epidemic occurred from 2014–2016 in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. The indirect effects of EVD epidemics on these countries’ health systems, i.e., the consequences beyond infected patients and deaths immediately related to EVD, can be significant. The objective of this review was to map and measure the indirect effects of the EVD epidemics on the health systems of DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and, from thereon, draw lessons for strengthening their resilience vis-à-vis future EVD outbreaks and other similar health emergencies. A scoping review of published articles from the PubMed database and gray literature was conducted. It was supplemented by interviews with experts. Eighty-six articles were included in this review. The results were structured based on WHO’s six building blocks of a health system. During the EVD outbreaks, several healthcare services and activities were disrupted. A significant decline in indicators of curative care utilization, immunization levels and disease control activities was noticeable. Shortages of health personnel, poor health data management, insufficient funding and shortages of essential drugs characterized the epidemics that occurred in the above-mentioned countries. The public health authorities had virtually lost their leadership in the management of an EVD response. Governance was characterized by the development of a range of new initiatives to ensure adequate response. The results of this review highlight the need for countries to invest in and strengthen their health systems, through the continuous reinforcement of the building blocks, even if there is no imminent risk of an epidemic