Community-Based Pregnant Women Initiative to Support Emergency Obstetric Care in Kimpese Health Zone, Province of Kogo Central, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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.