Background Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are the second most common cause of maternal mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accounting for 23% of maternal deaths. This study aimed to assess facility readiness, and providers’ knowledge to prevent, diagnose, and treat pre-eclampsia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 primary health centres (PHCs) and 28 referral facilities (hospitals) randomly selected in Kinshasa, DRC. In each facility, all midwives and physicians involved in maternal care provision (n = 197) were included. Data on facility infrastructure and providers’ knowledge about pre-eclampsia were collected using facility checklists and a knowledge questionnaire. Facility readiness score was defined as the sum of 13 health commodities needed to manage pre-eclampsia. A knowledge score was defined as the sum of 24 items about the diagnosis, management, and prevention of pre-eclampsia. The score ranges from 0 to 24, with higher values reflecting a better knowledge. The Mann-Witney U test was used to compare median readiness scores by facility type and ownership; and median knowledge scores between midwives in hospitals and in PHCs, and between physicians in hospitals and in PHCs. Results Overall, health facilities had 7 of the 13 commodities, yielding a median readiness score of 53.8%(IQR: 46.2 to 69.2%). Although all provider groups had significant knowledge gaps about pre-eclampsia, providers in hospitals demonstrated slightly more knowledge than those in PHCs. Midwives in public facilities scored higher than those in private facilities (median(IQR): 8(5 to 12) vs 7(4 to 8), p = 0.03). Of the 197 providers, 91.4% correctly diagnosed severe pre-eclampsia. However, 43.9 and 82.2% would administer magnesium sulfate and anti-hypertensive drugs to manage severe pre-eclampsia, respectively. Merely 14.2 and 7.1% of providers were aware of prophylactic use of aspirin and calcium to prevent pre-eclampsia, respectively. Conclusion Our study showed poor availability of supplies to diagnose, prevent and treat pre-eclampsia in Kinshasa. While providers demonstrated good knowledge regarding the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, they have poor knowledge regarding its prevention and management. The study highlights the need for strengthening knowledge of providers toward the prevention and management of pre-eclampsia, and enhancing the availability of supplies needed to address this disease.

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Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension are responsible for several cardiovascular complications, particularly in countries with limited resources. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of undiagnosed hypertension in the adult hypertensive in Boma.

Background and Aim: In limited resource settings, reliable epidemiological data generated from hypertension high risk geographical areas or people is a prerequisite for the planning of proven and effective interventions. The aim of the present survey was to assess the prevalence, awareness, control and factors associated with hypertension in adults living in the port City of Boma, located in the southwestern part of DRC. Methods: a cross-sectional survey using a modified WHO STEP wise questionnaire for data collection during face-to face interviews was conducted from March, 1 to April 15, 2018. We did multi-stage cluster sampling. Was an all-inclusive adult over the age of≥18 years having given informed consent. Information on demographic parameters, lifestyles, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure (BP) were obtained. Hypertension was defined as a mean of two BP≥140/90 mmHg or a self-reported history of antihypertensive drug use. Independent factors associated with hypertension were identified using logistic pressure analysis. P<0.05 defined level of statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 35% (Women 63, 5%) with 56,1% of hypertensive participants being unaware of their hypertension status. Of those who were aware and on treatment, only 47, 9% had a controlled BP. Older age (p<0.001), FH-HT (p=0.021), smoking (p<0.001), overweight (p<0.001), and obesity (p=0.030) emerged as main cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension was characterized by a high prevalence, low rate of awareness and suboptimal BP control, high cardiovascular risk and associated with smoking and obesity as modifiable risk factors. Therapeutic lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatment are needed for those hypertensive participants with increased global cardiovascular risk.