Keywords
mothers’ attitudes
neonatal mortality
newborn care
Tshopo Province
Democratic Republic of the Congo
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction
Neonatal mortality remains a major public health challenge, particularly in settings where timely and appropriate management of neonatal illness is limited. Understanding maternal perceptions and responses to neonatal illness is essential for designing interventions that are locally acceptable and effective.
Purpose
This study explored the perceptions and attitudes of mothers who experienced neonatal loss regarding newborn care in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among 22 mothers who had experienced neonatal mortality. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in French, Swahili, or Lingala. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed manually using thematic content analysis to generate themes, categories, and subcategories.
Results
Three major thematic areas emerged. First, mothers reported multiple barriers to neonatal care, including socioeconomic constraints, geographical distance, limitations in health facility capacity, and cultural practices such as reliance on traditional medicine and spiritual interventions. Second, the relationship between mothers and healthcare providers was described as central to care-seeking; although providers were recognized as important actors, participants reported dissatisfaction related to perceived negligence, delays in treatment, poor communication, and concerns about provider competence. Third, respondents proposed solutions focused on structural and institutional improvements, including free or subsidized neonatal care, improved facility equipment, continuous training and fair remuneration of healthcare workers, and increased community education on neonatal health.
Conclusion
Mothers who experienced neonatal loss in Tshopo Province identified interconnected economic, structural, and sociocultural barriers influencing neonatal care-seeking and outcomes. Their perspectives highlight the need for policies that reduce financial and geographical barriers, strengthen health system capacity, and improve caregiver–mother interactions. Community-based education and culturally responsive strategies are essential to promote timely utilization of neonatal services and improve newborn survival.
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