Midwives’ professional practices in the psychological, emotional and clinical support of women in labour in Mbandaka (DRC): a multi-centre cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Psychological and emotional support for women during labour is recognised as an essential component of high-quality obstetric care. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, few studies have assessed these practices, particularly in semi-rural areas.

Objective: To assess the professional practices of midwives and obstetric nurses in providing psychological, emotional and clinical support to women in labour in Mbandaka.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from March 2025 to March 2026 in three healthcare facilities (HGR Wangata, CSR Mama Balako, CSR Jules Chevalier). A sample of 150 professionals was included. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate tests (ANOVA, Student’s t-test, Chi²) and logistic regression.

Results: The overall rate of satisfactory care was 28.0% (95% CI: [20.8 – 35.2]). The mean score for psychological support was 23.4/40 (SD=6.8), and the clinical score was 26.8/40 (SD=5.9). Factors associated with better practice were educational level A0 (OR=4.82; p<0.001), the profession of midwife (OR=3.45; p=0.003) and specific training received (OR=5.12; p<0.001). The main obstacles cited were excessive workload (85.3%) and a lack of continuing professional development (79.3%).

Conclusion: Support practices in Mbandaka are inadequate, with only 28% of professionals achieving a satisfactory standard. Targeted interventions focusing on continuing professional development and the recruitment of qualified staff are required.

Keywords: Psychological support, midwife, woman in labour, Mbandaka, DRC, obstetric care.

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/691