Frequency and Socio-Demographic, Cultural, Economic and Obstetrical Determinants the Late Use of Antenatal Consultations in the City Province of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Objective: the study was planned to determine the frequency of late recourse to antenatal consultations (ANC) in the City Province of Kinshasa, and to identify the socio-demographic, cultural, economic and obstetric determinants; to help improve maternal and child health. Method: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in October 2018 in the health zone of Matete and that of N'sele. 456 mothers took part by answering a questionnaire made available to them with supporting explanation. Data were statistically analyzed using jamovi 1.6.23 software. Descriptive analyzes and logistical regression made it possible to achieve the purpose of the study. Results: 74.1% of mothers had initiated ANC late. The main determinants were: residence in the N'sele’s Health Zone [OR = 3.61 (2.04 – 6.39); p ˂ 0.001]; low level of education [OR = 10.07 (2.68 – 37.87); p ˂ 0.001] or secondary level [OR = 4.61 (1.78 – 11.98); p≤0.002]; marriage [OR = 1.93 (1.04 – 3.59); p ≤ 0.037] as well as dietary restrictions during pregnancy [OR = 2.20 (1.11 – 4.36); p≤0.024]. Conclusion: the frequency of late recourse to antenatal consultations is very high in the City Province of Kinshasa. Strategies to encourage women to initiate early antenatal visits should focus on improving socio-demographic, cultural, economic and obstetrical conditions without forgetting the political and health aspects. The cultural consideration will have to hold the attention of the decision-makers or investigators to the projects related to this problem.