Perception of the Population of Mbandaka Regarding Unsafe Abortion and Its Psychosocial Impacts: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Ibanga Neighborhood, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Abstract
Introduction
Unsafe abortion constitutes a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where legal restrictions and sociocultural norms exacerbate health risks for women. This study aimed to analyze the perception of the population of Mbandaka regarding unsafe abortion and its psychosocial impacts, as well as to identify sociodemographic factors associated with this perception.
Methods
A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January to September 2025 among 256 residents of the Ibanga neighborhood in Mbandaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered face-to-face. Descriptive analysis focused on frequencies and percentages, while bivariate analysis used Pearson's chi-square test (p < 0.05) to explore associations between sociodemographic variables and opinions on unsafe abortion.
Results
The study population was young (100% aged 18–34 years), predominantly male (60.9%), educated (80.1% had higher education) but economically precarious (100% had incomes < 100 USD/month). The vast majority of respondents (80.5%) were aware of the phenomenon of unsafe abortion, and 70.3% considered it a crime. The main reasons cited for resorting to unsafe abortion were poverty (39.8%) and the mother's health (19.9%). Bivariate analyses revealed significant associations between age, sex, education level, marital status, occupation, and opinion on unsafe abortion (p < 0.05 for all variables). Social stigmatization, guilt, and isolation were identified as the main psychosocial impacts.
Discussion
The results confirm that unsafe abortion in Mbandaka is perceived as morally condemnable, but this perception varies according to sociodemographic characteristics. Poverty emerges as the central determinant of resorting to this practice. These observations are consistent with studies conducted in other African contexts, which highlight the role of economic precarity, lack of sex education, and religious norms in the persistence of the phenomenon.
Conclusion
Unsafe abortion in Mbandaka is a multidimensional phenomenon, simultaneously social, economic, and psychological. Combating this practice requires a comprehensive approach combining comprehensive sex education, psychosocial support, poverty reduction, and appropriate health system reforms.
Keywords
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How to cite
Mboyo Mpetshi, A. (2026). Perception of the Population of Mbandaka Regarding Unsafe Abortion and Its Psychosocial Impacts: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Ibanga Neighborhood, Democratic Republic of the Congo. SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0014-perception-of-the-population-of-mbandaka-regarding-unsafe-abortion-and