FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INJECTION-RELATED IATROGENIC EVENTS AMONG PRESCHOOL- AND SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN THE YALIMBONGO RURAL HEALTH ZONE, TSHOPO PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: A MIXED-METHODS ANALYTICAL STUDY

Authors: Botowamungu Omwatikala Polydor, Kinamboli Kangoyangala Nicolas, Alworong’a Opara Jean-Pierre & Kafinga Luzolo Emery

ABSTRACT

Injection-related iatrogenic events represent a major patient safety challenge, particularly in rural settings where organizational constraints and shortages of medical supplies contribute to preventable complications in children. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with injection-related iatrogenic events among preschool- and school-aged children in the rural Health Zone of Yalimbongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted in five healthcare facilities involving 75 children selected through stratified sampling. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, Stata version 18, and thematic analysis.

The main findings showed that post-injection abscesses were the most frequent complications (40.0%). After adjustment, sterile equipment availability was the only independent protective factor (adjusted OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06–0.59; p = 0.004), reducing the risk of adverse outcomes by 81%. In conclusion, strengthening the supply of sterile equipment, infection prevention measures, and clinical supervision appears essential for sustainably improving injection safety in rural settings.

Keywords: injection-related iatrogenesis – injection safety – patient safety – child – rural setting – Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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