Consent to care and advance directives in obstetric care: Analysis of women who underwent caesarean sections and healthcare providers at the N’djili General Reference Hospital in Kinshasa, DR Congo

Abstract

Patient rights, particularly informed consent and advance directives, are essential pillars of a healthcare system centered on respect for human dignity and informed choices. At the N’djili General Reference Hospital, few women who undergo caesarean sections have adequate knowledge of informed consent or advance directives, a situation exacerbated by a lack of training for healthcare providers. The objective of this study is to assess knowledge and practices related to informed consent and advance directives. This mixed-method study combined a quantitative survey of women who had undergone caesarean sections with a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers. We used stratified sampling because our study population is not homogeneous but divided into subgroups/strata with distinct characteristics.
The results of this study reveal that the subjects of our study have insufficient knowledge about informed consent and advance directives, and that the level of education and access to information via television, radio or consultations directly influence knowledge of these concepts. Women with a higher level of education and regular prenatal consultations are also more likely to be informed. The subjects of our study want to be informed of their rights and involved in decision-making regarding their health.