Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka City
Introduction Caesarean section (CS) is a medically appropriate intervention for managing complications during childbirth. However, the increasing number of both scheduled and emergency CS procedures has led to concerns about the potential overuse of this technique. This trend has contributed to gro...
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Orapuh, Inc.
2025-01-01
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| author | Patrick Bongbanga Mundembe Roger Mwimba Mbungu Félicien Kandolo Tshimungu Jules Moti Kangite Jean Claude Efoloko Likulu Guillin Boboko Bikoko Monizi Mawunu Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua |
| author_facet | Patrick Bongbanga Mundembe Roger Mwimba Mbungu Félicien Kandolo Tshimungu Jules Moti Kangite Jean Claude Efoloko Likulu Guillin Boboko Bikoko Monizi Mawunu Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua |
| author_sort | Patrick Bongbanga Mundembe |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
Introduction
Caesarean section (CS) is a medically appropriate intervention for managing complications during childbirth. However, the increasing number of both scheduled and emergency CS procedures has led to concerns about the potential overuse of this technique. This trend has contributed to growing mistrust within the community, particularly in areas where CS is frequently performed. It is essential to examine the rates and indications for caesarean sections to understand the factors contributing to this increase and to address the concerns surrounding its use.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate and primary indications for caesarean sections performed in Mbandaka, focusing on the period between 2022 and 2023. The study aimed to identify the main factors influencing the decision to perform a caesarean section and to provide evidence for improving maternal health practices in the region.
Methods
A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used in this study. The research was conducted across the three health zones of Mbandaka: Bolenge, Mbandaka, and Wangata. A probabilistic, stratified, proportional, and multiphasic sampling technique was employed to select 552 respondents, distributed proportionally across 10 health facilities in the three zones. The data collected included the number of caesarean sections performed, their scheduling status, and the indications for each procedure.
Results
The study found a caesarean section rate of 32% for the period from 2022 to 2023, with 37.3% being scheduled and 62.7% emergency procedures. The main indications were fetal distress (38.4%) and macrosomia (28.3%). Several factors significantly increased the likelihood of caesarean delivery, including macrosomia (16.4 times more likely), a scarred uterus (28.91 times), a shrunken pelvis (27.8 times), fetal distress (16.8 times), transverse presentation (32.1 times), and twin pregnancies (144.6 times). These findings highlight the substantial impact of medical conditions on caesarean delivery decisions, reflecting the high reliance on caesarean sections for managing childbirth complications in Mbandaka.
Conclusion
The high CS rate in Mbandaka underscores the importance of improving maternal health practices and prenatal care to minimize risk factors that lead to the need for caesarean delivery. Educational programs aimed at increasing community awareness of the benefits and risks associated with CS are essential for reducing mistrust and ensuring informed decision-making. Furthermore, improving access to timely medical interventions and promoting strategies for preventing complications such as fetal distress and macrosomia could reduce the need for emergency caesarean sections and enhance overall maternal and child health.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1188fef2007747a1873f1bdfc8a97f20 |
| institution | Kabale University |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Orapuh, Inc. |
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| spelling | doaj-art-1188fef2007747a1873f1bdfc8a97f202025-01-21T05:55:15ZengOrapuh, Inc.Orapuh Journal2644-37402025-01-016110.4314/orapj.v6i1.5Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka CityPatrick Bongbanga Mundembe0Roger Mwimba Mbungu1Félicien Kandolo Tshimungu2Jules Moti Kangite3Jean Claude Efoloko Likulu4Guillin Boboko Bikoko5Monizi Mawunu6Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua7Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Mbandaka, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the CongoUniversity of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Mbandaka, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Mbandaka, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the CongoPolytechnic Institute of Kimpa Vita University, AngolaUniversity of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Introduction Caesarean section (CS) is a medically appropriate intervention for managing complications during childbirth. However, the increasing number of both scheduled and emergency CS procedures has led to concerns about the potential overuse of this technique. This trend has contributed to growing mistrust within the community, particularly in areas where CS is frequently performed. It is essential to examine the rates and indications for caesarean sections to understand the factors contributing to this increase and to address the concerns surrounding its use. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate and primary indications for caesarean sections performed in Mbandaka, focusing on the period between 2022 and 2023. The study aimed to identify the main factors influencing the decision to perform a caesarean section and to provide evidence for improving maternal health practices in the region. Methods A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used in this study. The research was conducted across the three health zones of Mbandaka: Bolenge, Mbandaka, and Wangata. A probabilistic, stratified, proportional, and multiphasic sampling technique was employed to select 552 respondents, distributed proportionally across 10 health facilities in the three zones. The data collected included the number of caesarean sections performed, their scheduling status, and the indications for each procedure. Results The study found a caesarean section rate of 32% for the period from 2022 to 2023, with 37.3% being scheduled and 62.7% emergency procedures. The main indications were fetal distress (38.4%) and macrosomia (28.3%). Several factors significantly increased the likelihood of caesarean delivery, including macrosomia (16.4 times more likely), a scarred uterus (28.91 times), a shrunken pelvis (27.8 times), fetal distress (16.8 times), transverse presentation (32.1 times), and twin pregnancies (144.6 times). These findings highlight the substantial impact of medical conditions on caesarean delivery decisions, reflecting the high reliance on caesarean sections for managing childbirth complications in Mbandaka. Conclusion The high CS rate in Mbandaka underscores the importance of improving maternal health practices and prenatal care to minimize risk factors that lead to the need for caesarean delivery. Educational programs aimed at increasing community awareness of the benefits and risks associated with CS are essential for reducing mistrust and ensuring informed decision-making. Furthermore, improving access to timely medical interventions and promoting strategies for preventing complications such as fetal distress and macrosomia could reduce the need for emergency caesarean sections and enhance overall maternal and child health. https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/330Maternal healthemergency caesarean sectionfetal distressmacrosomiaDemocratic Republic of the Congo |
| spellingShingle | Patrick Bongbanga Mundembe Roger Mwimba Mbungu Félicien Kandolo Tshimungu Jules Moti Kangite Jean Claude Efoloko Likulu Guillin Boboko Bikoko Monizi Mawunu Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka City Orapuh Journal Maternal health emergency caesarean section fetal distress macrosomia Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title | Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka City |
| title_full | Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka City |
| title_fullStr | Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka City |
| title_full_unstemmed | Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka City |
| title_short | Caesarean section rates and indications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The case of Mbandaka City |
| title_sort | caesarean section rates and indications in the democratic republic of the congo the case of mbandaka city |
| topic | Maternal health emergency caesarean section fetal distress macrosomia Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| url | https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/330 |
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