The Impact of Communication on Interprofessional Relationships in a Healthcare Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study at Wangata General Referral Hospital, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Abstract
Introduction
Effective communication is central to quality healthcare delivery and interprofessional collaboration. In low-resource settings like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), poor communication contributes to medical errors, workplace conflicts, and reduced quality of care. This study assessed the impact of communication on interprofessional relationships among healthcare workers at Wangata General Referral Hospital in Mbandaka.
Methods
A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2025. Using purposive sampling, 149 healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, managers, and others) completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate analyses employed Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
The sample was predominantly male (53.7%), aged ≥45 years (28.2%), married (66.4%), and from the Mongo ethnic group (46.3%), with Lingala as the most spoken language (63.7%). The majority (55.0%) were nurses, and 34.9% had ≥15 years of seniority. Overall, 54.4% of respondents held a unfavorable opinion of interprofessional relationships. Significant associations were found between opinion and age (p < 0.05), sex (p < 0.05), marital status (p < 0.05), ethnicity (χ² = 11.146, df = 3, p = 0.011), language spoken (χ² = 10.354, df = 3, p = 0.015), and seniority (χ² = 14.013, df = 4, p = 0.005). Professional category was not significantly associated (χ² = 5.865, df = 4, p = 0.209). The main drivers of conflict were other forms of discrimination (34.9%), jealousy (20.1%), and tribalism (16.8%).
Conclusion
Communication and interprofessional relationships at Wangata General Referral Hospital are perceived as largely inadequate, with significant demographic and social factors influencing these perceptions. Targeted interventions—including regular team meetings, communication training, and conflict resolution mechanisms—are urgently needed to improve collaboration and patient care quality.
Keywords
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How to cite
Mongu Bobuya, G. (2026). The Impact of Communication on Interprofessional Relationships in a Healthcare Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study at Wangata General Referral Hospital, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo. SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0019-the-impact-of-communication-on-interprofessional-relationships-in-a-he