Socio-demographic, Economic and Health Profile of Diabetic Patients Attending Some Primary Care Units in the City of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Diabetes is a serious health problem; its prevalence is increasing in developing countries.This study aims to describe the socio-demographic, economic and health profile of diabetics attending the primary care units for the management of diabetes mellitus(DM). Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in 2019 on 257 diabetics in seven primary care units (Maendeleo, Funu, Uzima, CBCA-Nyamugo, 8thCepac-Buholo, Lumu and Charles-Mbogha).To collect the data, we used the survey questionnaire, medical tools and documents anthropometric tools and statement of the prices (for drugs, laboratory exams and public transport). Results: Most of respondents were female (79.4%), aged ≥ 45 years old (90.27%), with a level of study below secondary education (63.0), without paid employment (71.1 %) with a monthly income < $ 37.5 US (59.92%). Most of them had type-2 diabetes mellitus (93.3%). With family history (48.25%) and comorbidities (hypertension and stroke). All participants were on medication (77.0% on oral glucose-lowering drugs). Once a week glycemic control was assessed in six primary care units, we noted hyperglycemia in the majority of female 68.5% (OR = 2.25; P = 0.02); aged 55 or older 54.9% (OR = 2.62; P = 0.02), not respecting the diet 45.5% (OR = 2.09;P = 0.04) and ate the family meal on a common plate 40.5% (OR = 2.32; P = 0.007). Their monthly expenses covered the assessment of fasting blood sugar, medication, and food purchases. Body Mass Index has represented the increased (31.5% with overweight) and high (23.8% with obesity) disease risk. The waist circumference represented the abdominal obesity mainly in women. Conclusion: Diabetes is an economic and health burden for the patient, family and community. Primary care units lacked human, material and financial resources to care for diabetics

Management of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children under Five by Self-medication and Prescription of Antibiotics in Bukavu

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are one of the top 10 killer diseases in children. In developing countries, the treatment is often initiated by self-medication (SM) before going to the hospital in case of a complication. This study assessed the level ofself-medication and the adequacy of hospital prescribing patterns of antibiotics for the management of acute respiratory infections in children under five. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018, including a face-to-face interview with 227 children’s mothers for self-medication and a review of 1162 medical files available at the pediatrics wards of Panzi General Hospital and University Clinic in Bukavu. Of 227 mothers interviewed, 168(74%) self-medicated children with six antibiotics, mainly amoxicillin (67%), and Cotrimoxazole (60%), principally to avoid medical consultation fees and to mitigate the early signs of the disease. However, among them, 49.8% rushed to the hospital after a complication. Of the 1162 medical files reviewed, 248(21.34%)are ARI cases of which 53% males and 47% females. Under 2 years constitute 85%. Dominant ARIs were acute pharyngitis (19.1%), acute otitis media (15.3%), bronchial superinfection (23.3%), and pneumonia (16.3%). The mortality rate attributable to ARIs was 17.5% (14/80). The antibiotics used in hospital include gentamicin (67%) in combination with cefotaxime, ampicillin, and azithromycin. The unprofessional dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacies encouraged the high level of self-medication.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used against Malaria in Bukavu City (D.R. Congo).

Aims: An Ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in the city of Bukavu, in order to identify plant species and recipes used in Congolese folk medicine for the treatment of malaria. Study Design: Survey; plant collection; plant identification and classification: family, used part, treated disease, recipes preparation; floristic characterization. Place and Duration of Study: “Université Officielle de Bukavu” (DR Congo), from February 2011toDecember 2012. Methodology: Forty-nine healers belonging to different ethnic groups were interviewed about the plant species used in traditional medicine for the management of malaria in the city of Bukavu. The name of the plants, the plant parts, the modes of preparation and the modes of administration of recipes were recorded. Cited plants were collected and identified at herbarium of the Laboratory of Ecology and Plants Resource Management, Faculty of Sciences, “Université Officielle de Bukavu”. The plants ecological status was also determined. Results: Forty species of plants belonging to twenty seven botanical families were identified. The main habitat preference of species is cultivated (62%), trees constituted 33% of morphological type while 30% of biological type are microphanerophytes. The decoction was the main mode of preparation (47.5%) and almost all recipes (100%of cases) are administrated by oral route. Leaves constituted sixty percent of plant organs used for drug preparation. Conclusion: Some plant species cited (62.5%) are known in the literature to possess antimalarial activity. Further studies should be undertaken to investigate effectiveness of other plants that have not yet been studied and to determine their chemical composition.