Applicability of Blood Transfusion Safety Rules at the Wangata General Referral Hospital (Democratic Republic of the Congo): A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study
Abstract
Introduction
Blood transfusion is a life-saving therapy but carries major infectious and non-infectious risks. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the applicability of blood transfusion safety rules remains poorly documented.
Objective
To assess the applicability of blood transfusion safety rules at the Wangata General Referral Hospital (HGR) and to explore relationships with age, sex, professional category, and length of service.
Methods
A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2021. An accidental sample of 19 anesthetist-resuscitators responded to a self-administered questionnaire. The applicability score (out of 100) was classified according to a reference scale (76–100% = best). Mean comparisons used Student's t-test (α = 0.10).
Results
The mean age was 46 ± 11 years; 63.2% were female; 94.7% held a graduate degree (A1). The overall applicability score was 50.9% (low), with heterogeneous performance: pre-transfusion phase (49.2%), per-transfusion phase (48.1%), and post-transfusion phase (81.6%). Best observed practices included blood group verification (89.5%) and transfusion cessation in case of adverse event (89.5%). Major gaps concerned refrigerated transport (26.3%), systematic pre-transfusion verification (42.1%), and calling the responsible officer in case of adverse event (21.1%). No statistically significant association was found between applicability and age (p = 0.989), sex (p = 0.378), professional category (p = 0.354), or length of service (p = 0.691).
Conclusion
The applicability of blood transfusion safety rules at HGR Wangata is low, except during the post-transfusion phase. Continuous training, equipment availability, and a quality assurance system are necessary to improve patient safety.
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How to cite
Manyolo Mata, N. (2026). Applicability of Blood Transfusion Safety Rules at the Wangata General Referral Hospital (Democratic Republic of the Congo): A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study. SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0013-applicability-of-blood-transfusion-safety-rules-at-the-wangata-general