Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Providers Regarding Twin Delivery Management at Wangata General Referral Hospital, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Abstract
Introduction
Twin deliveries are associated with significantly higher perinatal morbidity and mortality than singleton births. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the Équateur Province, data on healthcare providers' capacity to manage twin deliveries are lacking.
Methods
A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Wangata General Referral Hospital from June 2025 to March 2026. A simple random sample of 68 healthcare providers (physicians, midwives, obstetric nurses) completed a self-administered KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices) questionnaire. Bivariate analyses (Chi-square tests) and multivariate binary logistic regression were performed to identify factors independently associated with good knowledge of twin delivery management.
Results
The sample was predominantly male (55.9%), aged 35–39 years (19.1%), with a Bachelor's degree (L2, 41.2%), and 1–10 years of seniority (39.7%). All participants (100%) knew about twin delivery; 70.6% had good overall knowledge of management, but only 44.1% mastered diagnostic elements and 58.8% knew complications. The most reported attitudes were attentive observation (26.4%) and interdisciplinary collaboration (22.1%). Leading practices were prenatal assessment (23.5%) and postnatal care (22.1%). Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between education level/seniority and knowledge (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified L2 level (adjusted OR = 12.4, 95% CI: 3.21–47.8), Doctorate (aOR = 14.8, 95% CI: 3.56–61.5), and seniority ≥11 years (aOR = 8.94–10.3, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of good knowledge. Gender was not associated (p = 0.745).
Conclusion
Knowledge of twin delivery management among providers at Wangata Hospital is generally satisfactory but shows critical gaps in early diagnosis and complication recognition. Education level and professional seniority are the main determinants. Targeted continuous training, local protocols, and improved diagnostic equipment are urgently needed.
Keywords
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How to cite
Makenge Malebo, A. (2026). Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Providers Regarding Twin Delivery Management at Wangata General Referral Hospital, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo. SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0017-knowledge-attitudes-and-practices-of-healthcare-providers-regarding-tw