Facility conditions, obstetric and neonatal care practices, and availability of emergency obstetric and neonatal care in 72 rural health facilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A cross-sectional study [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Abstract

Background: Current facility conditions, obstetric and neonatal care practices, and availability of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) were assessed in the Kwango and Kwilu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: This is an analysis of the baseline survey data from an ongoing clinical mentoring program among 72 rural health facilities in the DRC. Data collectors visited each of the facilities and collected data through a pre-programmed smartphone. Frequencies of selected indicators were calculated by province and facility type—general referral hospital (GRH) and primary health centers (HC). Results: Facility conditions varied across province and facility type. Maternity wards and delivery rooms were available in the highest frequency of rooms assessed (>95% of all facilities). Drinking water was available in 25.0% of all facilities; electricity was available in 49.2% of labor rooms and 67.6% of delivery rooms in all facilities. Antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services were available but varied across facilities. While the proportion of blood pressure measured during antenatal care was high (94.9%), the antenatal screening rate for proteinuria was low (14.7%). The use of uterotonics immediately after birth was observed in high numbers across both provinces (94.4% in Kwango and 75.6% in Kwilu) and facility type (91.3% in GRH and 81.4% in HC). The provision of immediate postnatal care to mothers every 15 minutes was provided in less than 50% of all facilities. GRH facilities generally had higher frequencies of available equipment and more services available than HC. GRH facilities provided an average of 6 EmONC signal functions (range: 2-9). Conclusions: Despite poor facility conditions and a lack of supplies, GRH and HC facilities were able to provide EmONC care in rural DRC. These findings could guide the provision of essential needs to the health facilities for better delivery of maternal and neonatal care.