Incidence and Determinants of Prematurity in the City of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction:The fight against prematurity is part of a global approach to improving neonatal morbidity and mortality parameters.This study was initiated with the aim of identifying the determinants of prematurity in the city of Kinshasa.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Kinshasa in the HZs of Gombe, Limete and Kingasani during the period from November 25, 2021 to February 25, 2022.A total of 1266 mothers took part in the study.The data were collected by interview coupled with documentary analysis with the support of a questionnaire.These data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software.The determinants were retained from the results of the logistic regression by considering the Odds Ratio with their 95% confidence interval.Results: The overall incidence of prematurity during the study period was 20.14%.The determinants were: residence in the Kingasani health zone [OR = 1.77 (1.24, 2.55); p = 0.002]; being married [OR = 1.87 (1.19, 3.03); p = 0.009]; heavy activities during pregnancy [OR = 1.53 (1.11, 2.13); p = 0.010] as well as dietary restrictions [OR = 2.57 (1.61, 4.06); p = 0.010].While the Bangala tribes [OR = 0.60 (0.41, 0.89); p = 0.010] and luba [OR = 0.61 (0.47, 0.94); p = 0.025] emerged as protective factors against prematurity.Conclusion: The prematurity rate in the DRC remains high and stagnant despite the efforts already made by Congolese actors.Maternal precariousness is a major determinant that contributes to prematurity, and as such it is likely to increase perinatal morbidity and mortality.