Peer-reviewed article
Factors Associated with Postpartum Health Problems among Married Women of Reproductive Age in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-sectional Study in Kenge City.
Hocheol Lee, Ae Young So, Paul Mansiangi, Eun Woo Nam ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined factors linked to postpartum health problems among 700 married women of reproductive age in Kenge City, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Using a cross-sectional design, researchers identified that delayed postnatal care (within 24, 7, and 14 days after delivery) and health education on integrated child illness management, hand washing, and malaria prevention were associated with postpartum health problems. The findings suggest the need for strengthened postnatal care services and maternal and child health education programs in this setting.
Key points
- Delayed postnatal care (within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days) was significantly associated with postpartum health problems
- Health education by community health workers (RECO) on integrated child illness management was associated with postpartum health problems
- Hand washing education and malaria prevention were identified as important factors associated with postpartum health outcomes
- The study recommends developing policies and programs focused on early postnatal care services and maternal-child health education
- The research addresses a gap by focusing on postpartum health problems, which receive less attention than prenatal maternal health
Limitations
As a cross-sectional study, this research cannot establish causality or the direction of associations. The study is limited to married women of reproductive age in one city (Kenge), so findings may not be generalizable to other settings or population groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Abstract
Maternal mortality is attracting attention worldwide, but maternal health problems after delivery have received less attention. Most studies focus on prenatal maternal health problems. We aimed to identify factors associated with postpartum health problems among married women of reproductive age in Democratic Republic of the Congo. We employed a cross-sectional study design and randomly enrolled 700 married women of reproductive age in Kenge city. Data collection instrument was developed using the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. T-test, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using the SPSS version 24.0. Significant risk factors associated with postpartum health problems were initial postnatal care period; within 24 hours (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.197, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.156-4.174], p=.016); within 7 days (OR=1.972, 95% CI: [1.102-3.528, p=.022]; within 14 days (OR=2.124, 95% CI: [1.082-4.172], p=.029) among reproductive health and health service utilization characteristics. Health education by RECO (Relais Cmunataure) was associated with postpartum health problems including PCIME (Prise en Charge Integree des Maladies de l'Enfant; OR=1.845, 95% CI: [1.038- 3.282], p=.037); hand washing (OR=1.897, 95% CI: [1.060-3.396], p=.031); malaria (OR=2.003, 95% CI: [1.192-3.366], p=.009) among Maternal and Child Health intervention characteristics. In conclusion, it is necessary to develop and promote health policies and educational programs focusing on PNC service within 24 hours, PNC services within 7 days, PCIME, hand washing, prevention of malaria.