Determinants of Delay in First Prenatal Consultation at Hospital Environment in Kimpese Health Zone in Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Context and aims: knowledge of determinants of delay in prenatal consultations is essential if we want to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The aims of this study is to determine the factors determining the delay in the first prenatal consultation (PNC 1) in a hospital setting in the Kimpese Health Zone. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, including recruited women, by random sampling in prenatal consultations in the Kimpese Health zone; between June 1 and August 31, 2017. It consisted in directly collecting, through an interview, information on the socio-demographic and economic characteristics and the first prenatal consultation of the women followed in the health areas of this Health Zone. Results: of the 431 women included in the study, 87.5% had a delay in PNC 1. Their average age of women was 36.4 ± 6.8 years. Having a non-spouse head of household multiplied the risk of PNC 1 delay 1 by 2 (ORa: 1.95 95% CI: 1.01-3.78), having an existing fixed place of PNC 1 increased the risk of delay of PNC by 8 (ORa: 7.69; 95% CI: 2.56-25.00) and the absence of PNC 1 cost coverage increased the risk of CPN delay 1 by 3 (ORa: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.15-9.09). Conclusion: The frequency of PNC 1 delay is high in Kimpese Health Zone. It is associated with the non-spouse head of household, the existing PNC location and the absence of PNC cost coverage.