Facteurs Associes Au Décès Maternel Dans La Zone De Santé Rurale De Bokonzi, République Démocratique Du Congo

Abstract

Background 

Maternal mortality constitutes a major public health problem worldwide. The majority of these deaths occur in resource limited countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), maternal deaths represent 35% of deaths of women aged 15-49. This study aimed at determining the factors associated with maternal death in the Rural Health Zone (HZ) of Bokonzi, DRC.

Methods 

A case control study was conducted among 30 cases of maternal deaths that occurred from January 2019 to 2023 and 60 controls, randomly selected from health facilities. Data on sociodemographic and gyneco-obstetric characteristics, as well as circumstances, causes and factors contributing to deaths, were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with maternal death.

Results 

The median age was 29 years among for cases and 27 years for controls. Regarding the level of education, 47% of cases and 50% of controls had reached the primary education. Furthermore, both the majority of cases (73%) and controls (68%) were unemployed. Factors associated with maternal death were gestational age less than 37 weeks [adjusted OR (95% CI):29.41(2,50-346)] and non-vaccination against tetanus [adjusted OR-95%CI):12;61(1.78-89.33)].

Conclusion 

Maternal death remains a public health problem in the Bokonzi HZ. It is associated with gestational age less than 37 weeks and non-vaccination against tetanus. Improving tetanus vaccine coverage during antennal care consultations appears to be one of the interventions that can help address this problem in the Bokonzi HZR.