Orapuh Journal

Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2025-07-27T17:53:55+02:00

Introduction

The use of medicinal plants to prepare for childbirth is a widespread traditional practice in many communities. This practice is influenced by cultural beliefs and economic constraints that limit access to modern medical care. These plants are perceived to help shorten labour, relieve contraction pain, and prevent postpartum complications such as haemorrhage. However, scientific data on their actual effects remain limited.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the lived experiences and expectations of women who used medicinal plants during pregnancy, highlighting perceived benefits and any reported side effects associated with this practice.

Methods

A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using an exploratory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 women who had used medicinal plants during pregnancy, alongside participant observation of 15 of them. A categorical thematic analysis was performed to identify common motivations and perceptions regarding the effectiveness of these traditional practices.

Results

All participants were married, aged between 23 and 35 years, with a significant proportion having married early. Most (80%) had secondary education, and 55% were housewives. The most commonly used plants included Gynandropsis gynandra, Erythrophleum suaveolens, and Bridelia ferruginea. Deliveries were generally quick (between 5 and 9 hours), with regular contractions, and 95% of cases were eutocic. At one minute, 75% of newborns had an optimal APGAR score. The women reported benefits such as reduced pain, shorter labour, and easier recovery. However, some noted undesirable effects, including a decrease in sexual sensitivity.

Conclusion

The study highlights the cultural significance and perceived effectiveness of medicinal plants in childbirth preparation. Nonetheless, the occurrence of side effects points to the need for further clinical research to better understand their efficacy and ensure safe use.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS: Revitalization and organization of services in the provincial health division of Kwango, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2025-07-28T17:54:17+02:00

Introduction

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Kwango Province, where the organisation of prevention services is inadequate.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the organisation of HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services within the Provincial Health Division of Kwango, with the goal of proposing revitalisation strategies tailored to the local context.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 380 participants, including pregnant women, healthcare providers, and community actors. Sampling involved proportional stratification for pregnant women and purposive sampling for other stakeholders. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and direct observations. Statistical analyses (Chi²) were used to examine relationships between sociodemographic variables and the use of PMTCT services.

Results

Only 26.1% of respondents were aware of PMTCT, and over 70% perceived poor accessibility to the services. The availability of supplies, staff training, and community involvement were deemed insufficient. The main challenges identified included stock-outs, lack of intersectoral coordination, and stigma. Significant associations were observed between access to PMTCT services and factors such as age, education level, perception of accessibility, service availability, and community involvement.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of PMTCT services in Kwango Province is hindered by numerous organisational weaknesses. Service restructuring, capacity building for providers, greater community mobilisation, and improved coordination are essential to enhance the coverage and impact of HIV prevention interventions for mothers and children.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards occupational vaccinations in a private hospital setting in Tshwane, South Africa

2025-07-28T17:54:17+02:00

Introduction

Vaccines have prevented more morbidity and mortality over the past century than any other medical advancement. However, many healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Africa (SA) have been affected by occupational exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of selected HCWs towards occupational vaccination.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional survey design was employed. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting solely of close-ended questions. A non-probability voluntary response sampling method was used due to the low response rates observed in previous studies involving this population. A subset of participants representing Region 6 of Tshwane in the private sector was selected. Data were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 28.

Results

A total of 149 responses were obtained. The majority of participants were female (95.7%), aged 30–49 years (63.2%), and of Black ethnicity (70.9%). Just over half held a diploma (52.1%), and most were nurses (87.2%). The HCWs demonstrated an overall knowledge level of 68.9% regarding occupational vaccinations. They also showed an above-average positive attitude (64.3%) and just over half (52.1%) reported engaging in positive practices related to occupational vaccination.

Conclusion

The overall findings indicated generally positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices among these HCWs regarding occupational vaccination. A comprehensive occupational vaccination guide is recommended to better inform HCWs about VPDs and improve vaccination practices. Furthermore, the National Department of Health’s Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), initially developed to track COVID-19 vaccinations, could be expanded to collect and analyse more comprehensive data on HCWs’ vaccination status, as well as morbidity and mortality related to VPDs.

Physico-chemical parameters of the habitat of molluscs, intermediate hosts of schistosomes, in Kisangani and its surroundings

2025-07-29T17:55:03+02:00

Introduction

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is caused by Schistosoma trematodes and is prevalent in 78 countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The distribution of these parasites is linked to the presence of their intermediate hosts, freshwater molluscs. The survival and development of these molluscs are influenced by the physico-chemical conditions of their habitat, including water temperature, pH, conductivity, and oxygen levels. Understanding these relationships is crucial for schistosomiasis control.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the correlation between the physico-chemical parameters of mollusc habitats and the number of molluscs collected within 30-minute intervals in Kisangani, DRC, and its surroundings.

Methods

The research was conducted in five marshy sites in Tshopo Province. Molluscs were collected, and water samples were analysed for temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, oxygen saturation, and dissolved oxygen. Mollusc density was assessed by counting the number collected in 30 minutes. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and R software, with statistical significance set at 5%.

Results

Mollusc density varied across the sites, with some sites showing high densities and others moderate. Physico-chemical parameters also varied; however, no statistically significant correlation was found between the number of molluscs collected and these parameters.

Conclusion

The study found no significant correlation between mollusc counts and the measured physico-chemical parameters. Factors such as human activity, spatial scale, and other unmeasured environmental variables may influence mollusc abundance. Further research is recommended to explore specific factors affecting mollusc populations in the region.

Assessing the severity of acute pulmonary embolism: A review of epidemiological, clinical, biological, and CT angiography parameters

2025-07-29T17:55:03+02:00

Pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with diverse clinical manifestations, which often do not correlate with the size of the clot. Common symptoms such as dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain are frequent but nonspecific, complicating clinical diagnosis. This review aims to assess the severity of acute pulmonary embolism by examining epidemiological, clinical, biological, and computed tomography (CT) angiography parameters to improve diagnostic accuracy and prognostic evaluation. Clinical diagnostic scores and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings are supplemented by D-Dimer assays in cases with low or intermediate clinical probability. Chest X-rays are recommended urgently at the bedside to exclude alternative causes of dyspnea and to assess suitability for ventilation/perfusion scans. Transthoracic cardiac Doppler ultrasound evaluates hemodynamic impact. Definitive diagnosis is established by chest CT angiography, which has largely replaced traditional angiography and lung scintigraphy.
D-Dimer testing demonstrates a high negative predictive value (~95%) when clinical probability is low or intermediate, effectively ruling out venous thromboembolism (VTE) when negative. Chest X-rays may appear normal within 24 hours or show signs such as moderate pleural effusion, band atelectasis, or pulmonary infarction evidenced by Hampton’s hump. Cardiac Doppler ultrasound reveals signs indicative of PE including right ventricular dilation (>25 mm), interventricular septum displacement, and pulmonary artery trunk enlargement. CT angiography identifies acute PE by detecting central intravascular hypodensities with iodinated contrast, often forming acute angles with vessel walls. The integration of clinical, biological, and imaging parameters, particularly CT angiography, enhances the accuracy of acute PE diagnosis and assessment of severity. Prompt bedside imaging and ultrasound provide critical information to differentiate PE from other severe conditions. CT angiography remains the gold standard for confirming clinical suspicion and guiding urgent management.

Clinical profile and prevalence of women undergoing labor induction under unfavorable conditions at Mont-Amba Hospital Center, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2025-07-30T17:55:11+02:00

Introduction

Despite advances in obstetric care, the practice of artificial induction of labour under unfavourable conditions remains prevalent in low-resource settings, posing heightened risks to maternal and neonatal health. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), limited data exist regarding the clinical profile, indications, and outcomes of such inductions.

Purpose

This study investigated the prevalence, determinants, and obstetric outcomes associated with artificial induction of labour under unfavourable conditions at the Mont Amba Hospital Centre in Kinshasa, DRC.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using maternity records of 336 women who delivered between January and June 2023. Data on socio-demographic, obstetric, and clinical characteristics were extracted and analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of artificial induction of labour was 26.8%. Significant predictors included a scarred uterus (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.08–9.18), gestational hypertension (OR = 9.2; CI: 2.93–29.16), appendicitis or pelvic cyst history (OR = 7.5; CI: 2.64–21.87), grand multiparity (OR = 11.0; CI: 4.66–26.33), poor antenatal care attendance (<4 visits) (OR = 6.2; CI: 1.45–26.83), placenta previa (OR = 14.7; CI: 4.46–48.80), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (OR = 16.0; CI: 5.36–47.81), and post-term pregnancy (OR = 13.2; CI: 4.00–43.95). Induction often occurred despite unfavourable cervical conditions, with a caesarean section rate of 39.25%.

Conclusion

Artificial induction of labour is common at Mont Amba Hospital and is frequently performed under suboptimal conditions, contributing to avoidable maternal and neonatal risks. The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen antenatal care services, standardise induction protocols, and enhance risk-based obstetric management in resource-limited settings.