Characteristics and Obstetrical Outcomes of Post-Rape Pregnancies among Adolescent Girls in Post Conflict Context in Eastern DR Congo

Abstract

Introduction: In conflicts such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sexual violence is systematically perpetrated against children and adolescent girls. Unwanted pregnancy is one of the complications with a myriad of consequences for the victim, the newborn, and society. This study aims to draw up characteristics and obstetrical outcomes of post-rape pregnancies of victims under 18 years old treated at Panzi General Referral Hospital (PGRH) in Eastern DR Congo. Methods: A single-centre prospective descriptive study was conducted at PGRH over two years (June 2020 to June 2022). This study included 140 adolescent girls who became pregnant post sexual assault. They were followed from confirmation of pregnancy to delivery. Sociodemographic, psycho-affective and clinical parameters were recorded and analyzed using XLSTAT 2014 software. Results: 76.4% came from rural areas, with a median age of 16 [13-17]. Pregnancy was continued in 50.7% and terminated in 20%. The victims were casual acquaintances of the perpetrators in 33.6% and unknown in 26.4%. 57.9% attended regular antenatal consultations. 74.3% had an individual birth plan/preparation for labor, with the primary route of delivery being vaginal (69.3%). The frequency of caesarean sections was 30.7%. Some psychological symptoms were identified during labor in 52.9% like agitation (10.7%) and hypersensitivity (8.6%). Conclusion: Pregnancy post rape is a public health problem affecting adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age. These pregnancies require closer follow-up with multi-disciplinary shared care, including psychology, obstetrics, and community input, to improve mother and newborn antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum outcomes. In addition, long-term psychological sequelae of these pregnancies can be mitigated through supportive care in this high-risk period.