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.