Midwives workload in the context of free maternal healthcare: a cross-sectional study based on the Workload Indicators of Staffing Needs (WISN) method in primary healthcare facilities in Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has introduced free maternal halthcare to reduce direct payments made by households. This initiative may lead to an increase in the demand for maternal services, which could put significant pressure on healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the workload of midwives and to estimate the pressure it exerts on these providers in this context.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 13 primary healthcare facilities in four health zones in the city of Kananga, including six first-level healthcare facilities and seven second-level healthcare facilities. The workload of midwives was assessed via the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need approach.

Results

The basic services provided by midwives included childbirt

SUBMITTER: Nkolamoyo Musungula P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12619488 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature