Search

Résumé Objectif de l’étude Le dépistage des anticorps anti-virus de l’immunodéficience humaine est obligatoire chez tout donneur de sang admis à la Banque de sang des Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa depuis 1984. Cependant aucune donnée compilée n’est disponible à ce jour. L’objectif de la présente étude était de dresser la tendance, la prévalence, les co-infections, anti-virus, et les déterminants de la séropositivité anti-virus de l’immunodéficience humaine chez les donneurs de sang admis entre 2003–2006 et 2008–2013. Patients et méthodes Une analyse rétrospective des données a été réalisée chez les donneurs de sang des cliniques universitaires de Kinshasa entre 2003–2006 et 2008–2013. Les fréquences populationnelles d’infection par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine par année, âge, sexe et type de donneur de sang ont été estimées. Résultats Sur 26 341 donneurs de sang, 2,2 % ( n = 576/26 341) étaient séropositifs pour le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine. L’âge < 25 ans (OR = 1,7 ; IC 95 % : 1,4–2 ; p < 0,0001) et la séropositivité du virus de l’hépatite C (OR = 3 ; IC 95 % : 1,8–4,9 ; p < 0,001) ont été identifiés comme des marqueurs indépendants mais associés à la séropositivité du virus de l’immunodéficience humaine. Conclusion Cette étude montre une forte association (avec un pic en 2003) entre l’infection par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine, l’infection par le virus de l’hépatite C et le jeune âge. Des recherches plus approfondies doivent être menées pour sécuriser la transfusion en République démocratique du Congo. Study objectives The screening of anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibodies is mandatory in every blood donor admitted to the Blood Bank of Kinshasa University Clinics since 1984. However, no compiled data are available to date. The objective of this study was to establish the trend, prevalence, viral co-infections, and determinants of Human Immunodeficiency anti-Virus serology in blood donors admitted between 2003–2006 and 2008–2013. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was carried out at University Kinshasa Clinics, using blood donors’ records during 2003–2006 and 2008–2013. The prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus per year, age, sex and type of blood donors were estimated. Independent predictors of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity were also identified. Results Out of 26,341 blood donors, 2.2% ( n = 576/26,341) were seropositive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Age < 25 years (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4–2; P < 0.0001) and Hepatitis C virus seropositivity (OR = 3; 95% CI; 1.8–4.9; P < 0.001) emerged as independent predictors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus seropositivity. Conclusion This study shows a strong association between the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and hepatitis C and younger age respectively. Further studies are needed to ensure safety of Blood donation in Democratic Republic of Congo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo are increasingly entering new professions partly due to an increase in higher education levels. In so doing, and as they become more visible in political and economic spheres, women are subjected to new forms of moral suspicion. While women have historically maintained a strong presence in the informal sector, such as commerce, new urban modes of employment dictate new kinds of visibility. It is within this context that notions of femininity and female virtue in Kinshasa continue to be redefined. This article explores several modes of employment for women, such as money-changing, journalism, and politics as they relate to local concepts of encadrement (supervision) and débrouillardisme (resourcefulness). Further, it also examines the threat that a woman's social network outside of her kin poses to men, as well as how women's participation in the economic sphere can motivate distrust between the genders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As a consequence of a concatenation of external and internal events, the economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has informalized to an unprecedented level over the last few decades. A comparison of budget surveys carried out in 1975 and 2004 respectively allows us to ascertain the effect of this process on income inequality and poverty in Kinshasa. We find that the extent of inequality in the capital city of the DRC has remained largely unchanged, which strongly suggests that informalization has been a viable survival strategy for those at the lower-income end of society. Unexpectedly, whereas distinctions such as gender and age lost much of their profiling power in the period considered, other cleavages such as education and geography, which may be assumed to be much more intimately related to the formal sector, continued to play an important role in structuring inequality in Kinshasa’s deeply informalized economy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Mondes en Developpement is the property of De Boeck Universite and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, as well as the proportion of acutely infected and risk factors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: Thirty maternities in Kinshasa were randomly selected and women attending antenatal consultation were invited to participate. They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire about known risk factors (age, meat consumption, contact with soil, and presence of cat) and a venous blood sample was taken. Sera were analysed for total immunoglobulins (Ig) by VIDAS Toxo Competition using Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay. IgM was determined by VIDIA Toxo IgM and IgG avidity by VIDAS Toxo IgG avidity. Results: A total of 781 women were included. Median age was 28 years old (IQR: 8.5). And 627 women (80.3%; 95% CI: 77.5–83.1) were found to be positive to total Ig and 17 out of 387 (4.4%; 95% CI: 2.3–6.4) were positive to IgM. IgG avidity was low for 2 (11.8%) women, intermediate for 2 (11.8%) and high for 13 women (76.4%). There was no statistically significant association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and any risk factors assessed. Conclusion: In Kinshasa, toxoplasmosis endemicity is highly prevalent. One woman out of twenty five had a recent toxoplasmosis infection and 20% were not protected against primo-infection, indicating a need for measures to prevent and control toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the histopathological and immunohistochemical profile of astrocytoma in Kinshasa DRCongo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including 18 cases of astrocytoma between 1971 and 2001 in pathology laboratories of Kinshasa teaching hospital (CUK), Biomedical Research National Institute, and Yolo Medical Hospital Center (CHYM). We made histopathological analyses and immunohistochemical ones using EMA, GFAP, EGFR and Mib1. RESULTS: Astrocytoma accounted for 18% of all central nervous system tumors. Diffuse Key words: Astrocytoma, histopathological and immunohistochemistry profile, Kinshasa, astrocytoma was most frequent type. The immunohistochemical profile showed co expression of EMA, GFAP and EGFR. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the diffuse astrocytoma was the most frequent type. The immunohistochemistry profile was characterized by co expression of EMA, GFAP and EGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of IBEROAMERICANA. América Latina - España - Portugal is the property of Vervuert Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) for fighting onchocerciasis was started in 2003 in the hyperendemic province of Bandundu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); such initiative was supported by the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). As the APOC stopped at the end of 2015, there was an urgent need to assess the sustainability of an ivermectin treatment. A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitude and perception was conducted to determine the awareness level of local population regarding the disease. A multi-stage random sampling technique allowed the selection of 450 heads of households. Most respondents (96.9%) knew about onchocerciasis as a disease. The black-fly was viewed as the causing agent of onchocerciasis by 49.9% of respondents. The most commonly cited clinical manifestations were nodules (34.4%) and pruritus (31.1%), while blindness was the most frequently reported complication (90.7%). Approximately 55.1% of respondents had a good knowledge of onchocerciasis and CDTI. Overall, only 37% of participants had a favourable attitude and 46% a positive perception. Good knowledge was associated with school attendance (adjusted OR = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.3–2.8, p = 0.001), while education and continuation of treatment were related with good attitude (adjusted OR = 9.7, 95%CI:4.8–19.5 and adjusted OR = 19.8, 95%CI: 9.7–40.6, respectively, both with p < 0.001). Good perception was associated with being at least 46 years old, non-Catholic and continuing the treatment (adjusted OR = 3.2, 95%CI:1.2–9.1; adjusted OR = 29.6, 95%CI:14.1–62.2 and adjusted OR = 5.1, 95%CI:1.6–16.0 respectively, all with p < 0.001). A good level of knowledge, attitude and perception is needed for a massive adherence of population to onchocerciasis control programmes. In the area of study (Moanza, DRC), good attitude and perception motivated the continuation of treatment in the population. In the future, different plans should focus on educational strategies to maintain a massive adherence and reduce onchocerciasis prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of Democratic Republic of the Congo needs some unified precedents. The people, dwelling with these decisive precedents, is not a wealthy one. This paper aims to emphasize a problem that claims a peculiar attention. Although the antimalarials action enters the people's consciousness, there is still a lot of doubt, generally speaking. Properly, we face a kind of fight happening within a very volatile context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses social and symbolic differences in contemporary Kinshasa as these are expressed in and mediated via widely watched music television shows such as Bana Léo ('The Children of Léo[poldville]') and Sentiment Lipopo ('The Feeling of Lipopo'), both of which have become extremely popular in Kinshasa ('Léopoldville' as the city was called during colonial times, or affectionately 'Lipopo') since the early 2000s. Recorded in local nightclubs, these programmes show elderly people performing cha cha cha, merengue, polka piquée, bolero, rumba, and other international dance styles to Congolese rumba music dating from the late colonial and early postcolonial periods. Intimately tied to the emergence of a new category of elderly people in Kinshasa, these shows clarify the boundaries between the 'urban elderly' and (a) the younger generations and (b) the 'elders from the village'. A 'practical nostalgia' is performed that aims at restoring value to, and the esteem of, elders in the African city. The Bana Léo genre thus illustrates the ambiguity of the production of difference in the cultural domain. While generational differences may be expressed in the space of this genre, it simultaneously articulates a cultural attempt to overcome that distance and to create conviviality among the generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition of new graduate students from school to the labor market in Democratic Republic of Congo has been a major topic for debate over the last twenty years. This study identifies the factors affecting collaboration between higher education and the labor market in Kinshasa, the Capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Even though the demand for access to higher education is very high, results revealed that the current curriculum and policies have inherent inefficiencies that do not provide new graduates with sufficient skills to easily move into and be productive in the labor market (African Development Bank, 2012). Moreover, with an outdated curriculum and the high level of corruption, universities are now lucrative markets where professors trade grades for sex and money (International Governance Institute, 2011; Kutumisa, 2015; 2009; Zindi 1998; Simelane, 2001; Taiwo et al, 2014). The results of this study suggest the need for collaboration between higher education institutions and employers in order to design effective curricula and build up an educational environment that truly benefit current students and their future employers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is one of the ten countries, which accounts for 60% of unvaccinated children worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess predictors of incomplete and untimely immunization among a cohort of infants recruited at birth and followed up through 24 weeks in Kinshasa. Methods Complete immunization for each vaccine was defined as receiving all the recommended doses. Untimely immunization was defined as receiving the given dose before (early) or after (delayed) the recommended time window. Infants not immunized by the end of the follow-up time were considered missing. Multivariate hierarchical model and generalized logistic model were used to assess the independent contribution of each socio-economic and demographic factors considered to complete immunization and timeliness, respectively. Results Overall, of 975 infants from six selected clinics included in the analysis 84.7% were fully immunized the three doses of DTP or four doses of Polio by 24 weeks of age. Independently of the vaccine considered, the strongest predictor of incomplete and untimely immunization was the clinic in which the infant was enrolled. This association was strengthened after adjustment for socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Education and the socio-economic status also were predictive of completion and timeliness of immunization in our cohort. Discussion In conclusion, the strongest predictor for incomplete and untimely immunization among infants in Kinshasa was the clinics in which they were enrolled. The association was likely due to the user fee for well-baby clinic visits and its varying structure by clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the incidence of sickle cell anemia (SCA) is estimated to affect 30,000 to 40,000 neonates per year. However, there is paucity of data on acute clinical manifestations in sickle cell children. In these circumstances, it is difficult to develop a health care policy for an adequate management of sickle cell patients. This was a seven years' retrospective study of children admitted with acute sickle cell crisis in the Department of Pediatrics in University Hospital of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 108 patients were identified as having SCA. There were 56 (51%) girls and 52 (49%) boys. Median age was 10.5 years (range 1-24 years). No child was diagnosed by neonatal screening. The median age of diagnosis of sickle cell anemia was 90 months (range: 8-250 months). The median age at the first transfusion was 36 months (range 4-168). In this series, 61 (56.5%) patients were eligible for hydroxyurea. However, this treatment was only performed in 4 (6.6%) of them. Pain episodes, acute anemic crisis and severe infection represent respectively 38.2%, 34.3% and 21.9% of events. Altered sensorium and focal deficit were encountered occasionally and represented 3.4% of acute events. Acute renal manifestations, cholelithiasis and priapism were rarely reported, in this cohort. In Kinshasa, the care of patients suffering from sickle cell anemia is characterized by the delayed diagnosis and low detection of organ complications compared to reports of Western countries. This situation is due to resources deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a clear need for effective strategies to address the factors that affect retention, or lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) and adherence to HIV care and treatment. Depression in particular may play an important role in the high rates of LTFU along the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) cascade in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the association between prenatal depression and (1) LTFU or (2) uptake of PMTCT services. As part of a randomized control trial to evaluate the effect of conditional cash transfers on retention in and uptake of PMTCT services, newly diagnosed HIV-infected women, ≤32 weeks pregnant, registering for antenatal care (ANC), in 85 clinics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were recruited and followed-up until LTFU, death, transfer out, or six weeks postpartum. Participants were interviewed at enrollment using a questionnaire which included the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Depression was defined as a PHQ-9 score of ≥15. Among 433 women enrolled, 51 (11.8%) had a PHQ-9 score ≥15 including 15 (3.5%) with a score ≥20. At six weeks postpartum, 67 (15.5%) were LFTU and 331 (76.4%) were in care and had accepted all available PTMCT services. Of participants with depression at enrollment, 17.7% (9/51) were LTFU at six weeks postpartum compared to 15.2% (58/382) among those without, but the association was not statistically significant. On the other hand, 78.4% (40/51) of participants with prenatal depression were in care at six weeks postpartum and had attended all their scheduled visits and accepted available services compared to 76.2% (291/382) among those without depression. In this cohort of newly diagnosed HIV-infected pregnant women, prenatal depression assessed with a PHQ-9 score ≥15 was not a strong predictor of LTFU among newly diagnosed HIV-infected women in Kinshasa, DRC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is a critical need to create a reliable, relevant, and culturally appropriate measure of Family Quality of Life (FQOL) in order to evaluate family outcomes and related national family support mechanisms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study explores Congolese conceptions of FQOL and examines the appropriateness of adapting a common FQOL measurement tool for use in a Congolese context. Data are derived from four focus groups, conducted with 21 family members of persons with disabilities and 2 family advocates in Kinshasa, DRC. Participant conceptions of FQOL were highly similar to common understandings of FQOL globally. Participant discourse identified poverty and resiliency as potentially crucial underlying factors in FQOL in the DRC. FQOL is an important concept to measure in the DRC. Measurement must take poverty and resiliency into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In endemic areas, malaria and its adverse effects in schoolchildren may be prevented by intermittent preventive treatment (IPTsc). However, the most appropriate drug regimen for IPTsc remains to be identified. A randomised controlled trial was conducted in Kinshasa, DRC. Enrolled schoolchildren were assigned to a passive control arm ( n  = 212), sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) ( n  = 202) or SP plus piperaquine (SP/PQ) ( n  = 202). The primary endpoint was haemoglobin (Hb) change. Secondary endpoints were anaemia, parasitaemia prevalence and clinical malaria incidence. Data were analysed by modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and per-protocol. A linear mixed mode was used due to repeated measurements. Of 616 enrolled children, 410 (66.6%) were eligible for mITT analysis. The control arm was used as reference. After 12 months, the Hb level increased by 0.20 g/dL (95% CI −0.61 to 0.47; P  = 0.168) and 0.39 g/dL (0.12–0.66; P  <   0.01) in the SP and SP/PQ arms, respectively. SP treatment reduced anaemia, malaria parasitaemia and clinical malaria by 10% (0–20%; P  = 0.06), 19% (2–33%; P  = 0.042) and 25% (–32 to 57%; P  = 0.37), respectively. The corresponding values for SP/PQ were 28% (19–37%; P  <   0.001), 40% (26–52%; P  <   0.001) and 58% (17–79%; P  <   0.01). No deaths or severe adverse events (SAEs) were observed. SP/PQ offered substantial protection against anaemia, malaria parasitaemia and clinical malaria and showed no SAEs. SP/PQ, a combination of two long-acting non-artemisinin-based antimalarials, may be a valuable option for IPTsc in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Here we tested the correlation between minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of major antifungal agents and sequence types (STs) within Cryptococcus neoformans VNI isolates, and explored the ERG11 gene of included strains., Materials and Methods: We analysed 23 C. neoformans strains categorised into two groups according to the distribution of the ST profile in Kinshasa clinics (Democratic Republic of Congo): major ST [ST93 (n = 15)], and less common STs [ST659 (n = 2), ST5 (n = 2), ST4 (n = 1), ST 53 (n = 1), ST31 (n = 1), and ST69 (n = 1)]. The MICs of the major antifungal agents [amphotericin B (AMB), 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) and fluconazole (FCZ)] were determined following EUCAST guidelines. ERG11 gene sequences were extracted from whole genome sequence of the isolates and compared with the wild-type gene sequence of the C. neoformans VNI., Results: Although major ST isolates appeared to have lower median MICs for AMB and 5FU than less common ST isolates (0.50 vs. 0.75 mg/L for AMB, 2 vs. 4 mg/L for 5FU, respectively), FCZ susceptibility was similar in both groups (4 mg/L) (p-value >0.05). The susceptibility profile of C. neoformans strains separately considered did not significantly affect the patients' clinical outcomes (p-value >0.05). Furthermore, two structural modalities of the ERG11 gene were observed: (1) that of the reference gene, and (2) that containing two exonic silent point substitutions, and one intronic point substitution located in a sequence potentially involved in pre-mRNA splicing (c.337-22C > T); with no association with the MICs of the isolates (p-value >0.05)., Conclusions: The lack of association/correlation found in this study calls for further investigations to better understand the mechanisms of C. neoformans resistance to antifungal agents., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 SFMM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The peripheral and segmented nature of the urban network and communication routes in the Democratic Republic of Congo condemns the country to being outwardoriented, allowing little room for integration of national territory and favouring the neighbouring inter-African context. In this situation, the city of Kinshasa is forced to carry not just the weight of its role as capital city but also the burden associated with a territorial expansion that has occurred very much in the post-Independence style, where a veritable territorial implosion has resulted due to the existence of an inward-looking system of relationships. Based on field work, this article discusses the spatial factors existing in the social context under consideration, and identifies, as a result of the interaction of those factors, a complex territoriality that affects all the various facets of the urban fabric. Key words: Kinshasa, urban organisation, spatial expansion, imploded territoriality, peripheral urbanisation, outwardoriented relationships.

INTRODUCTION: l'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer les facteurs de risque associés à la tuberculose multi résistance à Kinshasa en République Démocratique du Congo. METHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude cas témoins. Les cas comprenaient tous les patients tuberculeux résistants à la rifampicine et à l'isoniazide notifiés à Kinshasa de janvier 2012 à juin 2013. Les témoins étaient les patients tuberculeux traités durant la même période que les cas et qui à la fin du traitement étaient déclarés guéris. Pour cette étude, nous avons obtenu une clairance éthique.

INTRODUCTION: en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC), plus d'un million de don de sang ont été réalisés entre 2007 et 2011. Cependant, aucun bilan portant sur la carence en fer et l'anémie ferriprive, conséquence d'un don de sang chez les donneurs de sang (DS), n'est disponible dans ce pays. L'objectif de cette étude étaitdestimer la prévalence de la carence en fer, de l'anémie et de l'anémie ferriprive chezles DS au Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) à Kinshasa en RDC. METHODES: entre Décembre 2012 et Août 2013, une étude transversale a été menée au CNTS où des DS éligibles au don de sang ont été inclus. Les informations socio démographiques et des prélèvements sanguins ont été collectés de manière simultanée au don de sang. La ferritine sérique a été dosée pour évaluer la carence en fer en utilisant la technique ELISA. L'hémogramme a été réalisé en vue d'évaluer et mettre au point l'anémie. RESULTATS: au total 386 DS ont été inclus dans cette étude. La prévalence de la carence en fer et de l'anémie ferriprive étaient respectivement de 63,2% (244/386) et 25,9% (100/386) des DS. Une anémie a été trouvée chez 36.5% (141/386) au moment du don de sang. CONCLUSION: la carence en fer, l'anémie et l'anémie ferriprive demeurent très fréquentes chez les DS à Kinshasa. Ces résultats suggèrent la révision des tests biologiques utilisés dans le recrutement des DS au CNTS. Par ailleurs le dosage de la ferritine s'impose en routine chez les DS réguliers à Kinshasa.

This study contributes to improve the understanding of the erosion process in an urban context. It proposes a visual interpretation key of the gullies, be they active or not, on a very high resolution satellite image. While the gullies are delineated, the urban context is analyzed on the image to identify the origin of each gully. These results are confronted with an exhaustive ground survey achieved by DGPS.

Afin de mieux comprendre le risque de transmission de la trypanosome animale africaine (TAA) et humaine (THA) en zone périurbaine de Kinshasa, une étude sérologique a été réalisée dans des élevages porcins entre 2003 et 2005. Un test ELISA indirect a été utilisé pour détecter la présence d’anticorps dirigés contre les trypanosomes sur un échantillon de 1240 porcs provenant de 404 fermes. 155 fermes (soit 38 %) se sont révélées séropositives avec une grande variation suivant la commune. Dans 6 % des fermes, des cas de TAA ont pu être démontrés par l’examen parasitologique. Des piégeages (n = 367) aux alentours des fermes ont permis de capturer 1935 mouches tsé-tsé (Glossina fuscipes quanzensis). Sur 562 mouches disséquées, 23 contenaient des trypanosomes soit un taux d’infestation de 4,1 %. Le risque de transmission de la trypanosomose animale, escompté à partir des captures du vecteur, est confirmé dans la plupart des communes par les résultats sérologiques. Des zones à forte probabilité de transmission de TAA ont été identifiées dans plusieurs quartiers situés dans trois communes périurbaines de Kinshasa : Mont-Ngafula, Ngaliema et N’Sele. Une intensification de la lutte anti-vectorielle s’impose dans les endroits à risque.

This study assessed the vulnerability of groundwater against pollution in the Kinshasa region, DR Congo, as a support of a groundwater protection program. The parametric vulnerability model (DRASTIC) was modified and calibrated to predict the intrinsic vulnerability as well as the groundwater pollution risk. The method uses groundwater body specific parameters for the calibration of the factor ratings and weightings of the original DRASTIC model. These groundwater specific parameters are inferred from the statistical relation between the original DRASTIC model and observed nitrate pollution for a specific period. In addition, site-specific land use parameters are integrated into the method. The method is fully embedded in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Following these modifications, the correlation coefficient between groundwater pollution risk and observed nitrate concentrations for the 2013–2014 survey improved from r = 0.42, for the original DRASTIC model, to r = 0.61 for the calibrated model. As a way to validate this pollution risk map, observed nitrate concentrations from another survey (2008) are compared to pollution risk indices showing a good degree of coincidence with r = 0.51. The study shows that a calibration of a vulnerability model is recommended when vulnerability maps are used for groundwater resource management and land use planning at the regional scale and that it is adapted to a specific area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Objectif Face à l’inadaptation sociale des adolescents en situation difficile à Kinshasa, la prise en compte des stratégies d’adaptation s’avère nécessaire pour l’efficacité des interventions auprès d’eux. L’objectif principal était d’explorer les stratégies d’adaptation adoptées par lesdits adolescents selon leurs problèmes psychosociaux. L’objectif secondaire était de déterminer les facteurs associés à l’adoption de ces stratégies d’adaptation. Méthode Cette étude transversale était menée dans la zone de santé de Masina II à Kinshasa entre mai et octobre 2010. Soixante-six adolescents en situation difficile (27♂, 39♀) âgés 17,53 ± 2,33 ans ne présentant pas des troubles psychiatriques avaient participé à une évaluation semi-structurée en deux phases. Les instruments suivants étaient utilisés : le tempérament selon Eysenck, le style parental selon Baumrind, l’attachement maternel par l’entrevue d’attachement à l’âge adulte adapté aux adolescents et les stratégies d’adaptation par le Kidcope de Spirito. Les tests de Chi 2 ou de Fisher exact étaient utilisés avec p < 0,05. Résultats La résolution émotionnelle était la stratégie d’adaptation la plus exploitée (56,7 %). Les stratégies d’adaptation étaient associées à chaque problème psychosocial ( X 2 = 152,44 ; ddl = 45 ; p < 0,0001) : la distraction à la toxicomanie ( p = 0,0009), le retrait social à la sorcellerie ( p = 0,0136), le blâmer les autres au comportement antisocial ( p = 0,0059), l’autocritique ( p = 0,0297) et la régulation émotionnelle ( p = 0,0130) aux grossesses et maternités précoces, le soutien social à l’enfant de la rue ( p = 0,0024) et la résignation à la maltraitance ( p = 0,0019). L’adoption des stratégies d’adaptation variait selon le sexe ( p < 0,0001), le tempérament ( p = 0,0010), le style parental ( p = 0,0119), l’attachement maternel ( p = 0,0265) et l’assignation des rôles ( p = 0,0107). Discussion Par la résolution émotionnelle, qui peut être inhérente à la transition de l’enfance à l’adolescence, lesdits adolescents tentaient de réduire la tension plutôt que de résoudre leurs problèmes psychosociaux. La spécificité des stratégies d’adaptation dysfonctionnelles selon les problèmes psychosociaux était liée à certains facteurs individuels et environnementaux. Les stratégies d’adaptation et les problèmes psychosociaux constituent des modalités de fuite ou de mise à distance d’une tension interne témoignant la présence potentielle de besoins non comblés. Ce qui favoriserait le manque de sentiment de compétence à la base de l’inadaptation sociale et d’une détresse psychologique qui mérite d’être élucidée. Conclusion La prise en charge des adolescents en situation difficile devrait se focaliser sur le renforcement des fonctions de socialisation et des ressources adaptatives aussi bien individuelles que familiales par la guidance parentale et une psychothérapie interpersonnelle adaptées à chaque situation et orientées vers le processus de la résilience. Objectives In the face of social maladjustment among adolescents experiencing difficulties in Kinshasa, the coping strategies deployed need to be considered for the effectiveness of interventions in this population. The main objective was to explore the coping strategies adopted by these adolescents according to their psychosocial problems. The secondary objective was to determine the factors associated with the adoption of these coping strategies. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Health Zone of Masina II in Kinshasa between May and October 2010. Sixty-six adolescents experiencing difficulties (27♂, 39♀) aged 17.53 ± 2.33 years having no psychiatric disorders participated in a semi-structured two-phase evaluation. The following measures were used: temperament according to Eysenck, parenting style according to Baumrind, maternal attachment by way of an adult attachment interview adapted for adolescents, and coping strategies according to Spirito's Kidcope. Chi 2 tests or Fisher exact tests were used with P < 0.05. Results Emotional resolution was the most commonly exploited coping strategy (56.7%). Coping strategies were associated with each of the psychosocial problems ( X 2 = 152.44, df = 45, P < 0.0001): distraction was associated with addiction ( P = 0.0009), social withdrawal with witchcraft ( P = 0.0136), blaming others with antisocial behavior ( P = 0.0059), and self-criticism ( P = 0.0297) and emotional regulation ( P = 0.0130), with early pregnancy and motherhood, social support for street children ( P = 0.0024) and resignation towards abuse ( P = 0.0019). The adoption of these coping strategies varied according to gender ( P < 0.0001), temperament ( P = 0.0010), parenting style ( P = 0.0119), maternal attachment ( P = 0.0265) and assignment of roles ( P = 0.0107). Discussion By this emotional resolution, which may be inherent in the transition from childhood to adolescence, these adolescents experiencing difficulties were trying to reduce tension rather than solving their psychosocial problems. The specificity of the different dysfunctional coping strategies according to the psychosocial problems was related to certain individual and environmental factors. Coping strategies for psychosocial problems are modes of flight or distancing from internal tension, indicating the potential presence of unmet needs. This could foster a sense of lack of competence underpinning the social maladjustment and psychological distress that deserves to be elucidated. Conclusion Support for adolescents experiencing difficulties should focus on strengthening socialization functions and adaptive resources, both individual and family, through parental guidance and interpersonal psychotherapy adapted to each situation and oriented towards processes of resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the level of organochlorine pesticides in the raw food from open markets in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Johannesburg, South Africa. It assesses the potential health risks associated with the organochlorine pesticide residues. The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method has been developed for sample preparation. A total of 120 food samples (beans, cabbage, beef, and fish) were obtained from the open markets. The mean concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in raw foods collected from the Johannesburg market were significantly higher ( p < 0.05) than those from the Kinshasa market. DDE recorded the highest mean concentration (253.58 ± 4.78 μg kg −1 ) in beef from Johannesburg, and α-BHC recorded the lowest mean concentration (38.54 ± 7.46 μg kg −1 ) in beans from Kinshasa. The investigation of health risk estimates revealed that the number of organochlorine pesticides exceeded the reference dose in the collected food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Objectif Identifier les prédicteurs du degré d’incapacité physique chez les patients en hémodialyse chronique à Kinshasa. Méthodes Étude analytique bicentrique, entre janvier 2007 et juillet 2013. L’incapacité physique a été évaluée à 6 mois d’hémodialyse selon l’échelle de Rosser. La régression logistique a recherché les prédicteurs d’une incapacité physique nulle ou légère (Rosser < 3) vs modérée à maximale (Rosser ≥ 3). p était fixé à 0,05. Résultats Cent vingt-sept patients (127) patients ont bénéficié d’au moins 6 mois d’hémodialyse (53,3 ± 11 ans ; 73,2 % masculin), 79 (62,2 %) avaient une incapacité physique nulle ou légère et 48 (37,8 %) modérée à maximale. Les prédicteurs d’une moindre incapacité physique en analyse univariée ont été : financement sécurisé, niveau socio-économique élevé, absence du diabète sucré, poids corporel élevé, pressions artérielles systolique et diastolique normales, diurèse résiduelle 3 mois après, hémoglobine et hématocrite, faible comorbidité, fistule artério-veineuse, érythropoïétine, au moins 12 heures hebdomadaires d’hémodialyse et absence de complications intradialytiques. Après régression logistique, une DR élevée à 3 mois d’hémodialyse s’est révélée un prédicteur indépendant d’une moindre incapacité physique (OR 0,998 ; p = 0,024) à côté de l’absence du diabète sucré (OR 0,239 ; p = 0,024), du bon contrôle des chiffres tensionnels systolique (OR 0,958 ; p = 0,013) et diastolique (OR 1,089 ; p = 0,003) et du recours à l’érythropoïétine (OR 5,687 ; p = 0,004). Conclusion La préservation de la diurèse résiduelle est associée à une moindre incapacité physique et doit occuper une place de choix dans le suivi en hémodialyse. Objective Identifying predictors of physical incapacity degree in patients on chronic hemodialysis in Kinshasa. Methods Bicentric analytical study, between January 2007 and July 2013. Degree of physical handicap was evaluated at 6 months of hemodialysis based on the scale of Rosser. Logistic regression sought the predictors of no or light physical incapacity (Rosser < 3) vs. moderate to maximum (Rosser ≥ 3). P was set at 0.05. Results One hundred twenty-seven patients (127) patients received at least 6 months of hemodialysis (53.3 ± 11 years; 73.2 % male), 79 (62.2 %) had no or light incapacity and 48 (37.8 %) moderate to maximum. Predictors of lower physical incapacity in univaried analysis were: secured funding, high socioeconomic level, lack of diabetes mellitus, high body weight, normal systolic and diastolic blood pressure, residual diuresis 3 months later, hemoglobin and hematocrit, low comorbidity, arteriovenous fistula, erythropoietin, at least 12 hours of hemodialysis per week and lack of intradialytic complications. After logistic regression, a high residual diuresis 3 months of hemodialysis has proved an independent predictor of lower physical Incapacity (aOR 0.998; P = 0.024) next to the lack of diabetes mellitus (aOR 0.239; P = 0.024), good control of systolic (aOR 0.958; P = 0.013) and diastolic (aOR 1.089; P = 0.003) blood pressure and the use of erythropoietin (aOR 5.687; P = 0.004). Conclusion Preserving residual diuresis is associated with lower physical incapacity and must be integrated in the management in hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the multiple benefits of maintaining residual urine volume (RUV) in hemodialysis (HD), there is limited data from Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of RUV decline on the survival of HD patients. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 250 consecutive chronic HD patients (mean age 52.5 years; 68.8% male, median HD duration 6 months) from two hospitals in the city of Kinshasa were studied, between January 2007 and July 2013. The primary outcome was lost RUV. Preserved or lost RUV was defined as decline RUV < 25 (median decline) or ≥ 25 ml/day/month, respectively. The second endpoint was survival (time-to death). Survival curves were built using the Kaplan-Meier methods. We used Log-rank test to compare survival curves. Predictors of mortality were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: The cumulative incidence of patients with RUV decline was 52, 4%. The median (IQR) decline in RUV was 25 (20.8-33.3) ml/day/month in the population studied, 56.7 (43.3-116.7) in patients deceased versus 12.9 (8.3-16.7) in survivor patients (p < 0.001). Overall mortality was 78 per 1000 patient years (17 per 1000 in preserved vs 61 per 1000 lost RUV). Forty six patients (18.4%) died from withdrawal of HD due to financial constraints. The Median survival was 17 months in the whole group while, a significant difference was shown between lost (10 months, n = 119) vs preserved RUV group (30 months, n = 131; p = 0001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that, decreased RUV (adjusted HR 5.35, 95% CI [2.73-10.51], p < 0.001), financial status (aHR 2.23, [1.11-4.46], p = 0.024), hypervolemia (a HR 2.00, [1.17-3.40], p = 0.011), lacking ACEI (aHR 2.48, [1.40-4.40], p = 0.002) or beta blocker use (aHR 4.04, [1.42-11.54], p = 0.009), central venous catheter (aHR 6.26, [1.71-22.95], p = 0.006), serum albumin (aHR 0.93, [0.89-0.96], p < 0.001) and hemoglobin (aHR 0.73, [0.63-0.84], p < 0.001) had emerged as the independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Conclusion: More than half of HD patients in this cohort study experienced fast RUV decline which contributed substantially to increase mortality, highlighting the need for its prevention and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Especially since the mid-2000s when cellular communication became more widespread in Kinshasa, Pentecostal leaders and followers increasingly reflect about the proper usage of the handset and insert it into reflections about 'approved' (ya malamu) and 'disapproved' (ya mabe) types of femininity. Via an examination of the critical role of electronic communication technologies in the construction of 'Christian femininities', I bring novel insights on the already much-debated question about Pentecostalism's contribution to women's lifeworlds. Amid applause for the liberating workings of Pentecostal-Charismatic rituals and associations, the ways that Pentecostalism installs new boundaries, promotes new preferences and lifestyles, and sanctions those who cannot comply with the new directives are often ignored. This article highlights the ambiguity of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity by comparing the discourse about two types of femininity that dominate in the churches: 'bad girls', of which Blackberry Girls are a subtype, and 'brides of Jesus'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin occurs ubiquitously in maize and is both an economic and a public health concern due to its carcinogenic effects. Nevertheless, in developing countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is still a dearth of information regarding its natural occurrence, exposure to both humans and animals and strategies for controlling its proliferation or contamination of food crops such as maize. The present study comparatively assessed the aflatoxin occurrence in maize samples collected in the DRC throughout the food supply chain. The analytical method used during this experiment was found to be accurate with a recovery ranging between 70.65 and 98.20%, and also precise (RSD<15%) except for AFG 1 , which showed an RSD of 18.05%. Moreover, the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for aflatoxin ranged from 0.31 to 0.69 μg/kg and from 1 to 2 μg/kg, respectively. The results also revealed that in the pre-harvest period, 32% of maize samples (out of a total of 50) were positive, with aflatoxins at a range of 1.5–51.23 μg/kg for AFB1 and 3.1–103.89 μg/kg for total aflatoxin. As the supply chain progresses, the contamination of maize samples also increases, with 100% of the collected maize samples found to contain aflatoxins at 300 times higher than the maximum limit of 10 μg/kg for total aflatoxin as set by the WHO. The aflatoxin content of maize samples was found to increase drastically at up to 500 times between the city store and the distribution system at market level. This was confirmed with a statistical analysis showing a significant difference (p < 0.01) between city store/market samples and pre-harvest, harvest, farm store and after-transportation samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Tiers Monde is the property of Librairie Armand Colin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Health Policy & Planning is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the present paper was to improve understanding of the rainfall dynamics in Bas-Congo and Kinshasa provinces, in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The first objective of the study was achieved by analysing the spatial correlations of monthly, seasonal, annual and individual monthly rainfall amounts of Kinshasa and Bas-Congo. The second objective was achieved through investigating and quantifying the temporal trends and their spatial variations. The results demonstrated notably high average inter-station correlation of +0.63 for dry season series, followed by monthly rainfall series with an average inter-station correlation of +0.58. However, there was no station with a stable monthly rainfall regime, i.e. with mean precipitation concentration index lower than 10% (it varies between 14.2 and 21.9%). Moreover, Kinshasa experienced an increase of rainfall with an average annual rate of change of +4.59 mm/year for the period 1961–2006. The results will be helpful for efficient water resources management and for mitigating the adverse impacts of future extreme drought or flood occurrences.Editor M.C. Acreman Associate editor N. Verhoest [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Cahiers d'Études Africaines is the property of Editions EHESS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pandemic was ignited in Léopoldville (now known as Kinshasa), in the former Belgian Congo. Factors that jump-started its early expansion remain unclear. Nonlethal hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) can be used to investigate past iatrogenic transmission.Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional study of elderly inhabitants of Kinshasa, with serological assays, amplification, and sequencing. Risk factors were assessed through logistic regression. Phylogenetic methods reconstructed the genetic history of HCV.Results: A total of 217 of 839 participants (25.9%) were HCV seropositive; 26 (3.1%) were HTLV-1-seropositive. Amplification products were obtained from 118 HCV-seropositive participants; subtypes 4k (in 47 participants) and 4r (in 38) were most common. Independent risk factors for HCV subtype 4r seropositivity were intramuscular tuberculosis therapy, intravenous injections at hospital A, intravenous injections before 1960, and injections at a colonial-era venereology clinic. Intravenous injections at hospital B and antimalarials were associated with HCV subtype 4k seropositivity. Risk factors for HTLV-1 seropositivity included intravenous injections at hospitals C or D and transfusions. Evolutionary analysis of viral sequences revealed independent exponential amplification of HCV subtypes 4r and 4k from the 1950s onward.Conclusions: Iatrogenic transmission of HCV and HTLV-1 occurred in mid-20th century Kinshasa, at the same time and place HIV-1 emerged. Iatrogenic routes may have contributed to the early establishment of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little data on the risk factors for malaria infection in large cities in central Africa and in all age groups. There may be different associations with the risk factors for areas with different malaria transmission intensities such as the effect of fever or age. This study aimed at identifying risk factors associated with Plasmodium infection and anaemia among children 6-59 months and individuals aged older than 5 years in Kinshasa, a large city with heterogeneity in malaria prevalence. Methods: This study analysed data from 3342 children aged 6-59 months from 25 non-rural health zones (HZs) and for 816 individuals aged older than 5 years from two HZs in Kinshasa (non-rural), collected during a cross sectional malaria survey in 2011. Logistic regression with random effects was used to investigate predictors for malaria and anaemia. Differences in risk factors in areas with a prevalence of less than 10 and 10 % or greater were investigated. Results: There was evidence of a different age-pattern in the two transmission settings. For children under 5 years, the highest prevalence of malaria was observed in the 48-59 months group in both transmission settings, but it increased more gently for the lower transmission HZs (p = 0.009). In a separate analysis in children over 5 years in two selected HZs, the peak prevalence was in 5-9 years old in the higher transmission setting and in 15-19 years old in the lower transmission setting. Reported fever was associated with malaria in both transmission strata, with no evidence of a difference in these associations (p = 0.71); however in children older than 5 years there was a significant interaction with a stronger association in the low transmission HZ. Insecticide-treated net (ITN) use was associated with a lower risk of malaria infection in children 6-59 months in the high transmission HZs. Similar estimates were found in children over 5 years and the lower transmission HZ but the associations there were not significant. There was no evidence of a difference in these associations by strata. The risk of anaemia decreased with increasing age in all strata, whereas it increased with malaria infection and reported fever. ITN use did not show evidence of protection against anaemia. Low socio-economic status was associated with malaria in high transmission setting in children 6-59 months and anaemia in low transmission setting. Conclusions: This study shows that in areas of low transmission in Kinshasa, the peak prevalence occurs in older age groups however ITN use was highest in children under 5 years. Targeted distribution of ITN to all age groups should be continued. For most risk factors, there was no evidence of an interaction with transmission intensity however the associations with age and with fever in the last 2 weeks did vary significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a part of the research methods for sustainable management of sandy soils of the province of Kinshasa (DRC).The intended aim is to characterize the soil sites with high agricultural activity in Kinshasa and to identify the main constraints to productivity. The diagnosis revealed that soils of three sites investigated studied are sandy and characterized by low retention capacity in the field (< 45 %) present an acid reaction (pH <5.5), have very low TOC contents (≤ 1 %), N tot (≤ 0.1 %), P ass (< 20 mg.kg −1 ), inexchangeable bases and are saturated to more than 60 % Al. Microbiological characteristics are weak in terms of microbial carbon, basal and induced respiration, and enzymatic activities. These characteristics are influenced by the organic matter and are the limitations on the productivity of these soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and associated factors among Congolese human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 77 HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy-naive children and 89 uninfected controls were enrolled. Microalbuminuria was assessed using the immune-turbidimetry method, and associated factors were studied by logistic regression. Results/Conclusion: The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 18% in the HIV-infected children and 2% in the HIV-uninfected children. No common determinants of proteinuria were significantly associated with microalbuminuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic based solidarity systems facilitated the integration of rural migrants into the intricacies of «modem» urban life throughout much of Africa. Now that these cities have become increasingly ungoverned and ungovernable, new forms of solidarity systems have emerged. The multiform crisis in Kinshasa, sub-Saharan Africa's second largest city, is as legendary as the survival strategies invented by the Congo capital's residents. These systems, historically complex, are increasingly characterised by pragmatism. Despite the marked rise of individualism needed to «fend for oneself», without recourse to solidarity networks, the situation of Kinois would be even more precarious than it is today. This article documents these dynamic forms of social organisation, their origins and evolution and the local and international political context that has contributed to their perpetual re-invention.

The use of SPOT images of 1995 allowed to trace the limits of the communes of Kinshasa. The measurement of their areas underlined significant errors compared to areas mentioned in the census of 1984. Then, a classification of the SPOT image led to the identification of built-up areas. Overlayed with the limits of the communes within a geographic information system, built-up areas per commune were compared to the typology of Flouriot (1975). Then, population densities were computed using the built-up area. Finally, we show that the extension of the city of Kinshasa co-exists with a densification phenomena and that densification absorbed nearly two third of the population increase between 1969 and 1995.