Quality of asthma care in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study at Wangata General Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, but the quality of care remains poorly documented in the DRC. This study aims to evaluate asthma management at the Wangata General Referral Hospital (Mbandaka).

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study conducted in April 2026 involving 98 patients with asthma. Exhaustive sampling. Data collected via questionnaire, analysed using SPSS (univariate, chi-square, binary logistic regression).

Results: Median age: 22 years (IQR: 12–38). Only 42.9% had a diagnosis confirmed by examination. The combination of a bronchodilator and an inhaled corticosteroid was prescribed in 22.4% of cases. Treatment adherence was 54.1%. Medicines were always available in 30.6% of cases. Regular follow-up was provided to 36.7%; 34.7% had received therapeutic education. Overall satisfaction was 40.8%. In multivariate analysis, medication availability (ORa=7.4), regular follow-up (ORa=5.8) and therapeutic education (ORa=4.3) were independent predictors of satisfaction (p<0.01).

Conclusion: The quality of asthma care in Mbandaka is largely inadequate. Interventions targeting the supply chain, training of healthcare workers and patient education are urgently needed.

Keywords: Asthma – Quality of care – DRC – Wangata Hospital – Adherence – Therapeutic education

Received Date: February 22, 2026

Accepted Date: March 14, 2026

Published Date: April 02, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/674