City Of Bukavu Research Articles

Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults Living with HIV Attending Antiretroviral Clinics versus Traditional Healers' Offices in Bukavu City, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) include immune system strengthening, viral load suppression, and improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This present study compares the HRQOL of PLHIV visiting ART clinics versus that of PLHIV attending traditional healers (THs)' offices, assesses the adherence of PLHIV to ART, identifies possible predictors of nonadherence of PLHIV to ART and HRQOL, and estimates the proportion of patients with HIV referred by THs to health centers in Bukavu. Between February and June 2023, a cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 150 adult PLHIV attending ART clinics and 150 adult PLHIV visiting THs' offices in the 3 urban health zones of Bukavu. The World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and a self-report questionnaire measuring ART adherence were used to collect the data. Regression models were used to identify the predictors of no adherence to ART and the HRQOL of PLHIV. Compared with those attending THs, PLHIV attending ART clinics had higher mean scores in all HRQOL domains. Approximately 84% of the participants were compliant with ART. The predictors associated with nonadherence to ART included illiterate participants [OR=23.3 (95% CI=1.23-439.5), p=0.004] and divorced or separated participants [OR=10.3 (95% CI=1.12-94.4), p=0.034]. The proportion of PLHIV referred to ART clinics by THs was only 10.7%. PLHIV visiting ART clinics had a better HRQOL than did PLHIV attending THs' offices. The rate of adherence to ART among PLHIV who attended ART clinics was high. It is recommended that PLHIV visiting THs be referred to ART clinics for improved HRQOL.

Managers’ Toxic Masculinity Erodes Employees’ Work Ethics in Private Institutions of DRC’s City of Bukavu

Purpose: This research has explored views of employees in Bukavu (DRC) private institutions regarding ways managers’ toxic masculinity damages employers’ work ethics at workplace. Methodology: Researchers conducted this qualitative study in the city of Bukavu between April and June 2024 with randomly selected 25 respondents from five private institutions. Respondents were Congolese females and males whose ages varied between 19 and 63. Data was collected via face-to-face focus group discussions, with in-depth interviews. The theories of masculinity and control guided the research. Masculinity posits that managers must exert power and control over their employees at workplace. Managers resorting to toxic masculinity damage the ethics of their workers, which can affect productivity. Findings: Results reveal how a manager may use toxic masculinity to deride the workers, which kills their appreciation and motivation for work. Managers applying domination, homophobia, giving poor and unfair salaries, abusing employees and discriminating against them are perpetuating toxic masculinity in their institutions. These factors are demotivating and destructive agents for employees’ ethics at work because they convey toxic masculinity through power and control, all causing work unproductivity. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research suggests that employers should develop progressive masculinity at work by valuing and respecting the workers. The perspective can boost collaboration; sustain commitment and harmony at work. Socializing constructive manliness can create a conducive work environment in private institutions of Bukavu, increase workers’ commitment to work, as well as the production.

When unethical practices harm relationship outcomes: testing the influence of consumer-perceived unethical behaviour on trust and satisfaction in the banking sector

PurposeThe study has two objectives: (1) expand our knowledge of the relationship between unethical behaviour and both trust and satisfaction and (2) demonstrate that unethical behaviour research should be examined multi-dimensionally.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by resorting to a mixed methods approach. First, individual interviews were performed with 31 bank consumers from six main commercial banks in Bukavu city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Interview notes were submitted for content analysis to identify items and components that underpin the unethical practices construct. Second, a quantitative survey was conducted with 410 consumers from the same six banks. An aggregated-disaggregated structural equations modelling approach was used to test the impact of unethical practices on relationship outcomes through two studies. Study 1 tested a model that links unethical behaviour as a one-dimensional construct to trust and satisfaction. Study 2 tested a model that directly connects the four specific unethical behaviour components to both trust and satisfaction.FindingsResults from study 1 reveal that perceived unethical behaviour negatively influences consumer trust. Results also confirm that trust positively influences customer satisfaction. Results from study 2 confirm that unresponsive, disrespect and lying behaviours negatively influence both trust and satisfaction. Banks which are involving in those specific unethical behaviours can neither satisfy their consumers, nor maintain a sustainable and profitable relationship with them. Therefore, unethical behaviours harm the relationships outcomes in the banking sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe perceived unethical behaviour scale derives from a single data set and its reliability and validity need to be improved. Relationships between constructs are tested in a more direct way and ignore moderating variables. Perceived unethical behaviour is connected to relationship outcome variables while its impact on firms’ metrics have been ignored.Practical implicationsBanks have to understand customers’ perception of unethical behaviours and find a way to overcome them. Banks should recruit, motivate and retain employees who demonstrate an ethical inclination in the service encounter and create structures and mechanisms in order to monitor and manage unethical practices.Social implicationsBanks employees' unethical behaviour and practices not only damage the trust and reputation of banks but also can lead to frustration on the part of customers and damage their relationship with the institution. Our paper is a warning of this danger and might improve the social interactions between organisations (in general) and customers.Originality/valueUnethical behaviour is measured with a four-component scale in contrast to previous studies that have used bi-dimensional or one-dimensional scales. The study tests a disaggregated model that links four components of perceived unethical behaviour to relationship outcome variables. Perceived unethical behaviours are analysed from the customers’ perspective by resorting to mixed methods strategy.

Environmental Sustainability and Solid Waste Management Procedures in Bukavu City, Democratic Republic of Congo

Environmental sustainability approaches such as effective solid waste management processes are indispensable for promoting sustainable urban development. Therefore, sustainable approaches to urban solid waste management are essential for every growing city. Bukavu City in Democratic Republic of Congo is a continuously growing city with a correspondingly increasing generation of solid waste which needs effective and sustainable management. This study engaged a mixed method model of both qualitative and quantitative approaches in assessing the perception of respondents on the sustainable aspect of the solid waste management procedures in the city of Bukavu. It administered 400 household questionnaires to residents, but also complemented the retrieved by interviewing key informants about the solid waste management approaches in the city. Results indicate inadequacy in the solid waste management processes in Bukavu City. Therefore, an inclusive and all-encompassing sustainable urban governance is proposed to encourage effective community participation in the management of the city environmental parameters alongside the enshrinement of a sustainable waste and environmental policy.

Quantification and valorization of compost derived from urban households’ waste in Bukavu City, Eastern D.R. Congo

This study focused on quantifying and valorizing domestic waste in Bukavu, a rapidly growing city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With increasing anthropogenic pressure, waste management has become a pressing issue, yet documentation in this area is still limited. This study aimed to fill this gap by providing comprehensive data on domestic waste generation, composition, and disposal practices in Bukavu city. Through field surveys and analysis, waste quantities and types were documented, revealing significant challenges in waste management infrastructure and practices. Additionally, the study explores opportunities for waste valorization, particularly through composting, given the region's agricultural potential and growing urban food demand. The findings revealed that ~ 5% of the domestic waste is biodegradable, with the majority consisting of metals and plastics. These wastes are predominantly used as livestock feed (10%), incinerated (66%), or buried (17%), with ~ 5% undergoing composting. Waste management is primarily handled by children (82%), with very few non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in such activities. Among the three composting methods evaluated, outputs from vermicomposting demonstrated superior qualities in terms of promoting crop growth, increasing yield, and achieving a high germination index. Overall, the application of composts improved plant growth and yield parameters of the two major legumes (common bean and soybean). Future interventions should explore the implementation of large-scale composting units at the household or citywide level, while also considering additional strategies to enhance the quality of the compost products. Such efforts are crucial in mitigating the environmental and health impacts of urban household waste and promoting sustainable practices in urban agriculture.

Traditional healers’ knowledge and infection control practices related to HIV in Bukavu City, Democratic Republic of the Congo

BackgroundPatients with HIV consult traditional healers (THs). These THs can both delay care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and transmit HIV through poor infection control practices. The main objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge and practices of THs regarding HIV in Bukavu.MethodsA cross-sectional study using quantitative approach was carried out among 71 THs in Bukavu City. The collected data included the following topics: personal and socio-demographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, and infection control practices. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples T-test or F-test, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data with a p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe THs’ mean age was 49.2 ± 11.2 years, and the majority were aged 40 to < 60 years. Males constituted 88.7% of THs with a male-to-female ratio of 7.9. In general, 47.9% of study participants had poor knowledge about HIV/AIDS infection, 45.1% of them had fair knowledge, and only 7.0% had good knowledge. Overall, 43.7% of THs had poor infection control practices, 52.1% of THs had fair practices, and only 4.2% of participants had good practices. Results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that none of the personal and demographic variables studied were significant predictors of their knowledge about HIV/AIDS (p > 0.05). In terms of practices, two variables were significant predictors of infection control practices: living in Ibanda and receiving training in taking care of HIV/AIDS.Conclusion and recommendations: The study revealed that THs’ knowledge about HIV infection was insufficient and that they had poor infection control practices. Formal standardized training on HIV infection should be organized for all THs so that they can always refer their patients to modern, reliable antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics and reduce the risk of occupational exposure in their practices. Although PPE’s assistance for THs is required in terms of protective measures, the province health authority must also oversee infection control procedures at THs’ offices.

Towards Urban Forest Restoration in the City of Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Residents' Perceptions

Purpose: Demographic explosion is a common phenomenon in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in the city of Bukavu, where more than 1.6 million inhabitants live in 60 km², following the rural exodus due to insecurity in rural areas. This situation has led to deforestation, resulting in the destruction of most of the old green spaces, exposing the city to higher risks of flooding, erosion, landslides and loss of biodiversity, among other environmental problems. This study aims to understand the population's perception of deforestation in Bukavu, and to inform policy makers on how to restore urban forests. Methodology: To collect data for this study, we sampled and interviewed 210 informants, with 70 informants in each of the three communes of Bukavu: Kadutu, Ibanda and Bagira. Findings: The vast majority of informants are in favor of restoring green spaces (85%). At least 72.9% of them recognize that green spaces are important for air purification, environmental improvement, ornamentation, erosion control, biodiversity conservation and food production (in the case of fruit trees). They agree that the vegetation cover has decreased, especially since the 2000s, mainly due to the rural exodus and unregulated housing construction (81.9%). The population is aware that they are the main beneficiaries of green spaces (87.1% of informants) and accuse the government of being the main destroyer of green spaces and that it should be the main actor in their restoration. At the same time, residents recognize their share of responsibility for the destruction and restoration of urban green spaces, but consider it to be less than that of the government. In order to restore green spaces, they suggested tree planting initiatives (51.7%), with a preference for Eucalyptus sp., Cupressus lusitanica, ornamental and medicinal trees. Awareness raising and planned urbanization are among the strategies proposed to restore these spaces. A unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The results of this study pave the way for a multidimensional understanding of climate adaptation, and demonstrate the need for a collective awakening of all stakeholders and the full mobilization of all actors in the quest to restore green spaces in the city of Bukavu for a healthier environment.

Utilization of non-timber forest products as alternative sources of food and income in the highland regions of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

In developing countries, studies on sustainable preservation of forests (including non-timber forest products NTFPs) have been poorly carried out for promoting alternative income generating activities (IGA) to alleviate pressure on praised resources by local communities living close by protected areas. This study aimed at (1) inventorying NTFPs exploited by local communities around the Kahuzi Biega National Park (KBNP), (2) assessing their therapeutic values and nutritional contributions, and (3) analyzing their rural and urban market values to determine their potential as alternative income sources as well as the major constraints in their exploitation. Individual interviews were conducted with 790 rural and urban households in Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, and Bukavu City, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) coupled with focus group discussions with key stakeholders around KBNP. Street vendors, restaurants, hotels, and market owners were also interviewed on uses, awareness of the nutritional and therapeutic values, and factors hindering NTFPs wide use in Bukavu urban environments. Physicochemical analyses were also conducted on main NTFPs to determine their nutritional values. Results showed that local populations around KBNP exploit at least 55 NTFPs, mainly for self-consumption as food, feed, and medicine. NTFPs represent the second most important income source around KBNP, accounting for 23.3 % of total households’ income after agriculture that generates 25.7 % of total households’ income. Income from NTFP trade was primarily used for food supply (29 %), investment in small businesses (19.6 %), children's education (17.7 %), and healthcare expenses (5.1 %). These NTFPs had varying nutritional values (in terms of proximate composition, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds). Solanum nigrum (24.9 %), Termitomyces robustus (18.0 %), Amaranthus viridis (17.6 %), and Piper nigrum (16.9 %) are valuable sources of proteins while Zingiber officinale (25.5 %), T. robustus (15.4 %) and P. nigrum (14.3 %) are rich in dietary fibres. Piper nigrum (37.0 and 128.3 mg/kg) and Basella alba (35.1 and 108.7 mg/kg) had the highest zinc and iron contents, respectively. Some of the most nutritious NTFPs, such as S. nigrum, Dioscorea spp., and P. nigrum had high contents in anti-nutritional elements and should be processed properly to maximize bioavailability. Besides, NTFPs created employment opportunities for collectors, vendors, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants both in rural and urban areas. Though varying with rural communities, the main challenges in the NTFP value chain were low market values (48.6 %), short shelf life (22.5 %), and excessive taxation (19.1 %) while in urban areas, seasonality (36.9 %), scarcity (17.7 %), and prohibiting high prices (17.7 %) were the major limiting factors. This study highlights the significant role played by NTFPs in providing healthy and nutritious food and income for households surrounding the KBNP, and thus emphasizes the necessity for their promotion as alternative income sources and healthy diets to alleviate poverty and hidden hunger around the KBNP.

Landslides, bedrock incision and human-induced environmental changes in an extremely rapidly formed tropical river gorge

Landslides are hillslope processes controlled by natural changing topographic conditions. Landslides are also influenced by human activities. Yet, understanding the space-time occurrence of landslides and their interactions with these typically long-term natural and short-term human-induced controls remains a key challenge in many regions, especially in tropical environments where data scarcity is commonplace. Here we decipher these dynamic processes in the Ruzizi Gorge located in the Kivu Rift (Central Africa), that is an exceptional geomorphological landmark whose origin is associated with the rerouting of >7000 km2 of drainage area from Lake Kivu during the Holocene. This bedrock river has also seen its landscape disturbed over the past decades by the development of the city of Bukavu (DR Congo). In this study, we combine detailed field observations, historical aerial photographs, archive analysis and satellite imagery to compile a multi-temporal inventory of 385 landslides and constrain their dynamics. We show that extremely high incision rates during the early stage of the formation of the gorge explain the space-time clustering of thousand-year-old large (up to ∼2 km2) landslides, independently from the lithological context. These landslides are currently non-active and poorly eroded. Their deposit areas partly cover the riverbed with boulders, armouring the channel and inhibiting further incision. The landslides that occurred over the last 60 years are shallower slope failures of smaller size and higher mobility. They tend to disappear rather quickly from the landscape, sometimes within a few years. Their distribution is primarily controlled by threshold slopes, lithology, and the past large landslides, the influence of the land use being less pronounced. Overall, the sediment mobilization rates associated with these high frequency landslides significantly outpace the extreme landslide erosion pulse associated with the gorge formation. Our results provide insight on interactions between channel-hillslope coupling and feedbacks among landslide processes and river gorge formation in a unique environment.

Desafios na avaliação da deficiência cognitiva em diabéticos na República Democrática do Congo

ABSTRACT Dementia is a global public health issue, with 57.5 million people living with at least one type of dementia in 2019 worldwide, and projected to rise to 152 million by 2050. Objective: We assessed the cognitive function in diabetic patients aged 60 or older in Bukavu city, in the eastern Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: This case-control study involved 123 patients with established diabetes mellitus (DM) and 123 controls over 60-year-olds also with high rates of illiteracy. Cognitive function was assessed using the Swahili version of the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI-D). Results: Foremost, our study revealed language-related differences between Swahili spoken in other eastern African countries such as Tanzania and Kenya, where the Swahili CSI-D is readily applied, compared to the Swahili spoken in Bukavu (DRC). Our results also showed that cognitive impairment was present in 18.7% of the total 246 participants. Remarkably, the prevalence rate of cognitive impairment was higher in the non-diabetic group (12.2 versus 25.2%; p=0.009). Participants aged 80 or older were more likely to present with cognitive impairment compared to those aged less than 80 (adjusted odds ratio — aOR=70.27; 95% confidence interval — 95%CI 3.94–125.15; p=0.004). We also found that patients living with DM for more than 20 years were three times more likely to be impaired compared to those who were recently diagnosed with DM (aOR=3.63; 95%CI 1.70–18.81; p=0.026). Conclusion: This study revealed that cognitive impairment was relatively high in Bukavu city. It emphasizes the lack of effective tools to assess cognitive function. This requires, therefore, that research be adapted to the intellect and cultural experiences of the patients.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis C infection among diabetic patients in South-Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: A cross-sectional study.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two frequent diseases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several studies seem to show a link between the two diseases worldwide. However, no study has evaluated this link in our country. The present study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of HCV in diabetic patients as well as associated risk factors. A multicenter cross-sectional study allowed us to sample diabetic patients in two diabetic healthcare centers of Bukavu city in the eastern part of the DRC, from December 2020 to December 2022. A questionnaire was submitted to the diabetic patients to collect sociodemographic data, anamnestic data on risk factors for HCV infection, and clinical data on DM. These factors were analyzed based on anti-HCV serological results. Among the 180 selected patients, 19 (10.6%) were tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. After multivariate analysis, the identified factors influencing these outcomes were male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.5, p = 0.027), dental extraction (aOR: 7.6, p = 0.001), and living in a privileged environment (aOR: 0.29, p = 0.03). The factors related to DM such as the type, the disease duration, or the usual type of treatment did not influence the serological results. This study shows that HCV seroprevalence in diabetic patients is very high compared with the general population. This suggests combined screening and management policies in this population.

Risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a case-control study.

Between January and December 2021, the authors conducted a multicenter case-control study in three hospitals in Bukavu City involving 90 individuals with dyspeptic complaints. Risk factors for H. pylori infection were assessed in a participant interview and H. pylori status from stool antigen detection. Among the risk factors assessed, only history of H. pylori in the family and the habit of adding salt to already-seasoned food were found positively associated with the risk of H. pylori infection (adjusted odds ratio: 7, 95 CI: 2.742-17.867; P<0.0001 and 2.911, 95% CI: 1.010-8.526; P=0.048, respectively). On the other hand, low-temperature food storage seems to be protective with a negative association (adjusted odds ratio: 0.044, 95% CI: 0.009-0.206; P=0.0001). This study demonstrated again the importance of lifestyle-related factors on the risk of acquisition of H. pylori. These findings call for preventive interventions for this group of individuals.

Impact of ICTs on Core Competences of SMEs in Bukavu, DRC

Currently, it has been noticed a strong use of ICTs in several companies. The objective of this study was to analyze and measure the impact of the implementation of ICTs on the strategy and structure of management of core competence in SMEs in Bukavu, DRC. The scale used shows the good psychometric properties (χ2 = 75.045; P = 0.16; χ2/ddl = 1.471; CFI = 0.92; IFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.049; NFI = 0.79; GFI = 0.94; AGFI = 0.91. This study analyzed primary data collected from 195 SMEs in the city of Bukavu. Data processing was achieved using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and flat sorting. The results indicate that the use of ICTs by SME managers in the city of Bukavu has a positive impact on all dimensions of core competence selected in this study. They also reveal that the views of these leaders on the importance attached to the adoption of ICTs were divided and the level of ICT use was above average.

Seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection in a densely populated district in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevalence in the Democratic Republic of Congo are scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the slum of Kadutu, city of Bukavu, between June and September 2021. The survey participants were all unvaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The crude seroprevalence rate was adjusted to the known characteristics of the assay. Participants aged 15-49 years old made up 80% of the population enrolled in the study (n = 507; 319 women and 188 men). The overall crude and adjusted seroprevalence rates of antibodies for COVID-19 were 59.7% (95% CI 55.4-63.9%) and 84.0% (95% CI 76.2-92.4%), respectively. This seroprevalence rate indicates widespread dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in these communities. COVID-19 symptoms were either absent or mild in more than half of the participants with antibodies for COVID-19 and none of the participants with antibodies for COVID-19 required hospitalisation. These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 spread did not appear to be associated with severe symptoms in the population of these settlements and that many cases went unreported in these densely populated locations. The relevance of vaccination in these communities should be thoroughly investigated.

Analysis of the SME-Bank Relationship in the Context of Digital Financial Services in Bukavu

This research proposes to analyze how SMEs in the city of Bukavu adopt the NFS provided by banks. It also verifies the explanatory factors of the adoption of these services capable of explaining the SME-bank relationship. Finally, it assesses the model for developing a long-term SME-bank relationship. We started with a survey of 352 SMEs in the city of Bukavu taken at random. Through principal component analysis (PCA) and structural equations using the PLS technique, the results show that in the adoption phase, expected effort, convenience and perceived risk have a positive effect on the intention to use NFS by SMEs in Bukavu. Similarly, these variables explain 92% of the variance in intention to use NFS versus 8% of current intention to use NFS. On the other hand, the gender of the manager, the sector of activity and the age of the SME have a moderating effect on the intention to use NFS. It was observed that the gender of the leader has a moderating effect on the relationship between expected effort, perceived usefulness, perceived risk, and social influence with the intention to use digital financial services. While SME age has no moderating effect on the relationship between expected effort, perceived usefulness, perceived risk, and social influence with the intention to use DFS. Industry has a moderating effect only on the relationship between expected effort and current use of NFS. Similarly, SME age, executive gender, and industry have a moderating effect on the relationship between convenience and current SFN use. The post-adoption model was confirmed with a better prediction. The results also provided evidence that expected convenience, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk influence the adoption intention of SFNs and also the current use of these services in the post-adoption phase, especially the trust of SMEs. In doing so, we validated the existence of a positive and significant relationship between SME trust and satisfaction on the one hand, and between SME satisfaction and their commitment to their bank in the context of SFNs on the other. Finally, the results did not establish the relationship between SMEs’ commitment and the level of the relationship established with their bank. Therefore, these results could not identify or show the appropriate relationship chain in the context of NFCs.

Influence de l'hypertension artérielle sur le profil clinique et le pronostic des patients hospitalisés pour COVID-19 dans la ville de Bukavu, en République Démocratique du Congo : étude de cohorte prospective

ProblemThere are no studies on the association between high blood pressure and COVID-19 in South Kivu. Objectiveto determine the influence of arterial hypertension on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the city of Bukavu. MethodologyBetween June 2020 and June 2022, an open cohort of hypertensive and non-hypertensive COVID-19 patients admitted to two clinics in the city of Bukavu was formed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of death. Thus, a prospective modeling of mortality by the Kaplan-Meier estimator was carried out. ResultsAmong the 178 admissions for COVID-19, 68 (38.2%) patients were hypertensive. Compared to non-hypertensives, hypertensive patients were significantly older [61.0 (56.0–71.0) vs. 48.0 (32.7–64.0); p < 0,0001). During the observation period of 1059 patient-days, the incidence of death (3.2/100 patient-days) was non-significantly higher in hypertensive patients (4.3/100 patient-days) (p = 0.06). On the other hand, the independent predictors of death were Sepsis [adjusted HR = 3.7 (1.5–8.7)], CRP > 100 mg/L [adjusted HR = 3.0 (1.2–7, 0)] and SaO2 < 90 % [adjusted HR = 3.9 (1.3–11.8)]. ConclusionThis study shows that hypertension was very common in patients admitted for COVID-19 in the city of Bukavu but did not influence the vital prognosis of the latter, thus confirming the finds of most authors who have addressed the question.

Evaluation of plastic waste in pasture areas and frequency of foreign bodies in the rumen after slaughter in urban areas: Case of Bukavu and its hinterland

Insufficient grazing land and lack of fodder is a situation that makes animals vulnerable, pushing them to ingest inedible substances. The environment of Bukavu and its outskirts is threatened by pollution whose plastic and other waste are sources of diseases of ruminants or imported and local cattle and goats contract diseases due to the consumption of certain waste. The latter are found scattered almost everywhere (tracks, trails, fields, pastures) and their scale is taking on a pace that worries domestic ruminant breeders. In a coupled observation survey, we worked on a sample of 1270 cases of slaughter in a slaughterhouse and restaurants in urban areas, and also two killings in rural areas to assess the frequency of foreign bodies in ruminants after slaughter and classify them according to their nature. Then, we had to identify the stimuli that lead animals to ingest indigestible non-food substances and that are a cause of morbidity and mortality. By the method of transect we appreciated the presence of this waste that ruminants consume by mania. The results are as follows: Out of 1,270 cases of slaughter, we found 179 cases of the presence of foreign bodies, i.e. 35% in Mugogo, 31% in Mudaka, 19% at the Ruzizi II slaughterhouse and 15% for restaurants in the city of Bukavu. According to the nature of the foreign bodies found after slaughter, it appears that the black bag component is in large quantity (24.25±7.676) followed by mosquito net (18.5±7.416), then other bag (13.25±7.847) and finally fabric (10±4.397). In vitro, the coca cola drink has little effect on foreign bodies soaked in rumen juice. The transect shows a high load of plastic waste and linen along the tracks and around markets and grazing places both in the city of Bukavu and in the peripheral territories shows a preponderant presence of bags (0.738±0.425) followed by linen (0.362±0.119). For an average weight of 960 grams per waste collected.

Epidemiological and Histopathological Features of Ocular Tumors in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe epidemiological and histopathological features of ocular tumors in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: it is a cross-sectional descriptive study of the analysis of 103 consecutive anatomical pieces taken after tumor removal from two ophthalmology services in Bukavu city from January 2018 to December 2020. Results: Children accounted for 40% of patients and ocular tumors were unilateral in 84.5% of cases. The most common locations were the retina (34.8%), conjunctiva (33.7%) and eyelids (22.8%). Benign tumors predominated (51.4%), followed by malignant tumors (37.9%), and undetermined tumors (15.5%). The main histological forms found were retinoblastoma (34.8%), conjunctival nevus (20.6%), and palpebral granuloma (16.3%). Conclusion: Ocular tumors are common in Bukavu. Histopathological examination remains essential to guide management to reduce the risk of recurrence and related complications.

Is translocality a hidden solution to overcome protracted displacement in the DR Congo?

ABSTRACT Policy makers and practitioners usually focus on three durable solutions for IDPs to overcome protracted displacement; return, resettlement and local integration. Based on empirical realities, this paper asks to what extent translocality can be seen as another solution. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data from the city of Bukavu in eastern DRC, we explore how translocality is shaped in practice and how it helps people to overcome protracted displacement. Translocality of Bukavu’s IDPs is mostly oriented towards the community of origin. We argue that this translocality requires mobility or connectivity, or a combination thereof. Mobilisation of resources in the community of origin can then contribute to the livelihoods of urban IDPs, but restraining forces beyond the control of IDPs can make this a risky and costly strategy that is not necessarily sustainable. Although translocality can address the livelihoods challenges related to protracted displacement, it cannot solve all challenges related to displacement. The paper concludes that translocality should – at most – be seen as a semi-durable and partial solution to move out of protractedness rather than as a durable solution to displacement in itself; however, addressing some of the restraining forces could make it a more durable solution.

Vitiligo in the City of Bukavu ( Democratic Republic of Congo)

Background: Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by selective loss of melanocytes resulting in circumscribed, depigmented macules and patches. Although it does not cause physical pain that warrants a patient to complain, its effects can be psychological, leading to stigmatization and suicidal ideation.&#x0D; Patients and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim over a period of one year and 8 months (February 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020). The patients attending the dermatology-venereology services of the University Clinics of Bukavu (CUB) and the Saint-Luc Clinic of Bukavu (CSLB) were recruited into the study. It focused on patients received in consultation for vitiligo. The diagnosis of vitiligo was made based on clinical examination and when in doubt, a skin biopsy was carried out to confirm histological diagnosis. The data were entered and analysed using Epi info3.5.1.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of vitiligo in this study was 2.0%. The mean age was 24.5 years and range from 6 months to 73 years. The age group most affected was 0 to 9 years with 41.9%. The female sex represented 61.3% and the M/F sex ratio was 1.5. Stress (12.9) and repeated trauma (6.5) were the most reported triggers. Family history was present in 29.0% of cases. Atopy (29.0%) and thyroiditis (9.7%) were the most common associated pathologies. Preferred lesion locations were the face (48.4%), external genitalia (41.9%) and extremities (22.6%). The predominant clinical form was non-segmental vitiligo (80.6%). Among the paraclinical examinations carried out, the inflammatory assessment was the most disturbed (9.7%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Vitiligo is a dermatosis that can affect anyone; regardless of gender, age or race.&#x0D; Authors&#x0D; M Ngolo 1, P Yassa 2, B Ndayazi 3