Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rogatien Mwandjalulu Kisindja, Pierrot Lundimu Tugirimana, Mitangala Ndeba Prudence, Katenga Bosunga, Jean-Jeannot Juakali Sihalikyolo, Prosper Kalenga Muenze Kayamba, Albert Mwembo Tambwe-A-Nkoy
Summary: The prevalence of gestational diabetes in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo was 21.2%, with higher rates in Rutshuru and Goma. A history of macrosomia birth and family diabetes were the main risk factors.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Imani Bin-Eradi Ramazani, Simon-Decap Mabakutuvangilanga Ntela, Mathieu Ahouah, Daniel Katuashi Ishoso, Rothan-Tondeur Monique
Summary: Maternal mortality rate in eastern DRC is high, mainly due to delayed healthcare-seeking decisions by patients. Factors such as extreme ages, parity, and complications are significantly associated with maternal deaths. It is crucial to enhance knowledge about maternal health among women and healthcare professionals to reduce delays in seeking healthcare, thus safeguarding women's lives.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Clerisse M. Casinga, Everlyne N. Wosula, Mouritala Sikirou, Rudolph R. Shirima, Carine M. Munyerenkana, Leon N. Nabahungu, Benoit K. Bashizi, Henry Ugentho, Godefroid Monde, James P. Legg
Summary: This study provides the first detailed characterization of Bemisia whiteflies on cassava in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), revealing important information about their genetic diversity. The findings have implications for guiding management practices to reduce the impact of cassava virus diseases.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Achille Bapolisi, Pierre Maurage, Marie-Tatiana Cishugi, Costa Sudi Musilimu, Alain Kabakuli, Paul Budema, Fabrice Gulimwentuga Cikomola, Paterne Safari Mudekereza, Leon-Emmanuel Mubenga, Geraldine Petit, Philippe de Timary
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between acute stress disorder and cognitive strategies of emotion regulation among injured victims of violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The results showed that maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, such as self-blame and rumination, as well as neurological damage, were significant predictors of acute stress disorder.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTRAUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
C. M. Casinga, R. R. Shirima, N. M. Mahungu, W. Tata-Hangy, K. B. Bashizi, C. M. Munyerenkana, H. Ughento, J. Enene, M. Sikirou, B. Dhed'a, G. Monde, P. L. Kumar, J. P. Legg
Summary: The study revealed an expansion in the incidence and range of cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2016 to 2018, with new occurrences recorded in Haut-Katanga and Sud-Kivu provinces covering a significant area. The average CBSD incidence within fields increased from 13.2% in 2016 to 16.1% in 2018, signaling a growing threat to cassava production in DRC. The presence of both Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus in different provinces highlights the importance of addressing the expanding epidemic of CBSD.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jackson Ishara, Rodrigue Ayagirwe, Katcho Karume, Gustave N. Mushagalusa, David Bugeme, Saliou Niassy, Patchimaporn Udomkun, John Kinyuru
Summary: Edible insects provide an opportunity to alleviate food insecurity, and the Democratic Republic of Congo has a wide biodiversity of edible insects. This study in the South-Kivu region aimed to understand the diversity, perception, consumption, availability, host plants, harvesting techniques, and processing techniques of edible insects. The study recorded 23 edible insects belonging to nine families and five orders, with variations in preference and availability across different territories. The findings highlight the need for further research on entomophagy in the country and promote the rearing of edible insects to meet the high demand and environmental concerns.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wyvine Ansima Bapolisi, Hermes Karemere, Freddy Ndogozi, Aime Cikomola, Ghislain Kasongo, Albert Ntambwe, Ghislain Bisimwa
Summary: The study found that most people choose health centers as their first recourse when they fall ill, but a significant percentage still opt for traditional healers or prayer rooms due to lower costs. Future interventions to promote integrated health service usage should target individuals with lower levels of education.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Phuong N. Pham, Manasi Sharma, Kennedy Kihangi Bindu, Pacifique Zikomangane, Rachel C. Nethery, Eric Nilles, Patrick Vinck
Summary: This study found gender differences in adopting preventive protective behaviors against EVD. These findings suggest that it is critical to design gender-sensitive communication and vaccination strategies, while engaging women and their community as a whole in any response to infectious disease outbreaks. Research on the potential link between gender and sociodemographics factors associated with disease risk and outcomes is needed.
Article
Criminology & Penology
Kathryn Falb, Alexandra Blackwell, Jean de Dieu Hategekimana, Danielle Roth, Meghan O'Connor
Summary: Co-occurring intimate partner violence and child abuse in eastern DRC is a significant issue, but the relationship between these forms of violence and a feminist-grounded conceptualization of family functioning remains poorly understood. Findings suggest that improving family functioning, addressing harmful gender norms, and utilizing skills-based approaches may be promising strategies for preventing multiple forms of violence in the home.
JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Franck Katembo Sikakulya, Robinson Ssebuufu, Albert Ahuka Ona Longombe, Xaviour Francis Okedi, Michel Kalongo Ilumbulumbu, Moise Muhindo Valimungighe, Furaha Nzanzu Blaise Pascal, Bienfait Mumbere Vahwere, Simon Binezero Mambo, Yusuf Mulumba, Anderson Muhindo Muhasa Muyisa, Fatuma Djuma Sonia, John Sekabira, Jane O. Fualal, Patrick Kyamanywa
Summary: The study revealed that no hospitals in Uganda and the Eastern DR Congo met the readiness criteria for safe surgical care provision during Ebola and COVID-19 era. Strategies are needed to enhance health facility supplies and readiness for safe surgical provision in resource-limited settings.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Merry C. Fitzpatrick, Anura Kurpad, Christopher P. Duggan, Shibani Ghosh, Daniel G. Maxwell
Summary: This study showed that children in a population with a higher prevalence of kwashiorkor have lower dietary intake of sulfur amino acids compared to children in a population with a lower prevalence. Methionine was found to be the first limiting amino acid in both populations, with a higher risk of inadequate intake among children in the high-prevalence population.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Rodriguez Kakule Amani, Bernard Riera, Gerard Imani, Rodrigue Batumike, Noelia Zafra-Calvo, Aida Cuni-Sanchez
Summary: This study aimed to understand the climatic changes and adaptation strategies adopted by farmers in the mountainous region of eastern DR Congo. The results revealed that the Bafuliru farmers, living on the drier slopes, had a stronger perception of climate change and implemented more adaptation strategies compared to the Lega farmers. These differences can be attributed to socio-cultural factors.
Article
Women's Studies
Kathryn L. L. Falb, Alexandra Blackwell, Jean de Dieu Hategekimana, Munjireen Sifat, Danielle Roth, Meghan O'Connor
Summary: Little is known about the co-occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women and child abuse within families in humanitarian settings. Baseline data from 203 couples in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were analyzed, revealing that over half of women and men reported co-occurring violence. Childhood experiences of physical abuse were strongly associated with recent co-occurring violence, while witnessing parental IPV had varying influences. Programmatic approaches targeting early childhood violence may be promising for preventing both IPV and child abuse.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maurice M. Nigo, Peter Odermatt, David Wully Nigo, Georgette B. Salieb-Beugelaar, Manuel Battegay, Patrick R. Hunziker
Summary: A cross-sectional study conducted in Ituri Province, DRC, found a high burden of intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection, including symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, abnormal liver patterns, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Targeted interventions are needed to address both the infection and related morbidity.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Law
Holly Dunn
Summary: Theories of vigilantism attribute its cause to the ineffectiveness of the state legal system, leading individuals to take the law into their own hands. However, not all harms result in vigilantism, as it is primarily reserved for serious witchcraft-related harms. Through fieldwork in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, this study explores the concept of legal consciousness and identifies the disconnect in harm naming and different logics of justice as significant factors in understanding the dynamics of vigilantism.
LAW AND SOCIAL INQUIRY-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN BAR FOUNDATION
(2023)