[Spirometric reference values in the Bantu population aged 20-70 years in Kinshasa].

Introduction: Spirometric reference values cannot be extrapolated in the populations, being subject to many environmental and human variables; hence the interest of local studies in this field.

Methods: This study aims to determine the reference values among healthy adults in Kinshasa. We conducted a cross-sectional study including 7443 subjects (3208 women, 43%).

Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in adult asthmatics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: The ultimate goal of asthma treatment is long-term control. Uncontrolled asthma is a major public health problem worldwide, but there is a lack of data on asthma control and its causes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Objective: To determine the socio-demographic, environmental, clinical, and biological factors and comorbidities associated with uncontrolled adult asthma in Kinshasa, DRC.

The Lipodystrophy Syndrome in HIV-Infected Children under Antiretroviral Therapy: A First Report from the Central Africa.

Background: Despite the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS, few studies focused on the prevalence of lipodystrophy in pediatric HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ARV) in sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of metabolic disorders related to ARV therapy in this population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was completed in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Disclosure of HIV status and its impact on the loss in the follow-up of HIV-infected patients on potent anti-retroviral therapy programs in a (post-) conflict setting: A retrospective cohort study from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: The study aimed to identify the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status on the loss to follow-up (LTFU) of patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy.

Methodology: A historic cohort of HIV patients from 2 major hospitals in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo was followed from 2004 to 2012. LTFU was defined as not taking an ART refill for a period of 3 months or longer since the last attendance, and had not yet been classified as 'dead' or 'transferred-out'.

Predictors of Persistent Anaemia in the First Year of Antiretroviral Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Anaemia is associated with adverse outcomes including early death in the first year of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study reports on the factors associated with persistent anaemia among HIV-infected patients initiating ART in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study and analyzed data from patients receiving HIV care between January 2004 and December 2012 at two major hospitals in Goma, DR Congo.

An innovative approach to using both cellphones and the radio to identify young people's sexual concerns in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: As teenagers have easy access to both radio programs and cell phones, the current study used these tools so that young people could anonymously identify questions about sex and other related concerns in the urban environment of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The purpose of this healthcare intervention was to identify and address concerns raised by young people, which are related to sexual health, and which promote youth health.

Methods: This healthcare intervention was conducted over a six month period and consisted of a survey carried out in Kinshasa.

Inequalities in child mortality in ten major African cities.

Background: The existence of socio-economic inequalities in child mortality is well documented. African cities grow faster than cities in most other regions of the world; and inequalities in African cities are thought to be particularly large. Revealing health-related inequalities is essential in order for governments to be able to act against them.

Food insecurity is associated with increased risk of non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Food insecurity is increasingly reported as an important barrier of patient adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in both resource-poor and rich settings. However, unlike in resource rich-settings, very few quantitative studies to date have investigated the association of food insecurity with patient adherence to ART in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study examines the association between food insecurity and adherence to ART among HIV-infected adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Prevalence and determinants of the use of modern contraceptive methods in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Introduction: In 2003, a cross-sectional study was carried out in Kinshasa to determine the prevalence and to identify the correlates of the use of modern contraceptive methods among sexually active females.

Methods: Five hundred females of childbearing age (15-49 years) who were selected through a stratified sampling procedure were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. The interview collected sociodemographic data, knowledge, perception and current use of modern contraceptive methods.