Perceptions and attitudes of mothers affected by neonatal mortality regarding newborn care in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2026-05-11T19:43:27+02:00

Introduction

Neonatal mortality remains a major public health challenge, particularly in settings where timely and appropriate management of neonatal illness is limited. Understanding maternal perceptions and responses to neonatal illness is essential for designing interventions that are locally acceptable and effective.

Purpose

This study explored the perceptions and attitudes of mothers who experienced neonatal loss regarding newborn care in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among 22 mothers who had experienced neonatal mortality. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in French, Swahili, or Lingala. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed manually using thematic content analysis to generate themes, categories, and subcategories.

Results

Three major thematic areas emerged. First, mothers reported multiple barriers to neonatal care, including socioeconomic constraints, geographical distance, limitations in health facility capacity, and cultural practices such as reliance on traditional medicine and spiritual interventions. Second, the relationship between mothers and healthcare providers was described as central to care-seeking; although providers were recognized as important actors, participants reported dissatisfaction related to perceived negligence, delays in treatment, poor communication, and concerns about provider competence. Third, respondents proposed solutions focused on structural and institutional improvements, including free or subsidized neonatal care, improved facility equipment, continuous training and fair remuneration of healthcare workers, and increased community education on neonatal health.

Conclusion

Mothers who experienced neonatal loss in Tshopo Province identified interconnected economic, structural, and sociocultural barriers influencing neonatal care-seeking and outcomes. Their perspectives highlight the need for policies that reduce financial and geographical barriers, strengthen health system capacity, and improve caregiver–mother interactions. Community-based education and culturally responsive strategies are essential to promote timely utilization of neonatal services and improve newborn survival.

Development and validation of a hydrotropic UV–Visible spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous assay of ornidazole and ofloxacin tablets

2026-05-11T19:43:26+02:00

Introduction

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), weaknesses in pharmaceutical distribution systems contribute to the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines. The fixed-dose combination of ofloxacin and ornidazole is commonly prescribed for the treatment of mixed bacterial and protozoal infections; however, it lacks harmonized monographs in major international pharmacopoeias (USP, BP, and EP).

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and validate an alternative, environmentally friendly analytical method for the simultaneous determination of ofloxacin and ornidazole using UV–Visible spectrophotometry.

Methods

Solubilization was achieved using an effective ternary mixture (10% urea/10% nicotinamide, w/v), alkalinized to pH 9.5 with NaOH and measured using a calibrated digital pH meter. This alkaline condition exploits the amphoteric nature of ofloxacin by inducing a bathochromic shift to 330 nm. Quantification was based on Vierordt’s simultaneous equation spectrophotometric method. Validation was conducted in accordance with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines using a Total Error approach (accuracy profile) over a range of 80% to 120% of target concentrations.

Results

The method demonstrated specificity in the presence of common excipients. Metrological performance showed excellent linearity (R² = 0.9923 for ornidazole and R² = 0.9913 for ofloxacin), supported by 45 experimental observations and mean recovery rates of 99.61% and 99.95%, respectively. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was graphically established from the accuracy profile at 8.6000 µg/mL and 3.4000 µg/mL, ensuring 95% decisional reliability. Expanded uncertainty (k = 2, 95% CI) remained within acceptable limits (3.68% and 3.50%). Assay of a commercial batch confirmed compliance with pharmacopoeial specifications.

Conclusion

The validated method provides a cost-effective alternative for routine quality control laboratories. By using an aqueous hydrotropic system instead of hazardous organic solvents, this protocol offers a robust and sustainable screening tool for market surveillance in resource-limited settings while significantly reducing the laboratory’s environmental footprint.

Orapuh Journal

Perceptions and attitudes of mothers affected by neonatal mortality regarding newborn care in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Development and validation of a hydrotropic UV–Visible spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous assay of ornidazole and ofloxacin tablets