Assessing Quality of Post Rape Care Services Among Women Survivors of Sexual Violence in Heal Africa Hospital - Goma Democratic Republic of Congo.

Abstract

Introduction The study was aimed at assessing quality of post rape care services given to women survivors of sexual violence in North Kivu province, Democratic republic of Congo. Due to insecurity resulting from a long civil conflict, sexual violence in this area increased to unprecedented rates. Many women 5 to 35 years have experienced sexual violence in north Kivu. The study sought to explore quality of existing services for survivors of sexual violence. The specific objectives of the study were; to assess the individual characteristics of clients that influenced quality of service received; to assess the sociology economic factors that influence quality of services offered to women survivors; to assess health system factors that influence quality and suggest possible measures to improve quality of services Method The study was a cross sectional and descriptive in nature drawing from both quantitative and qualitative approaches of research. A sample size of 162 women survivors of sexual violence was determined using a formula recommended by Kish and leslie. However the samples were selected conveniently and purposefully based on whoever had knowledge about sexual violence post rape care services. Women survivors 125 and 6 key informants service providers were given questionnaires and interviews respectively. Results Finding show that all three factors individual characteristics, sociology economic factors, and health system factors partly influenced quality of services. However none on its own was significantly associated with quality of services. This implies a complex interplay of three factors influenced quality of post rape care services.

Conclusion Respondents suggested improving education levels, political will of government to strengthen medical services for sexual violence victims and work towards eliminating conflicts in the region. Mobile health clinics and increased awareness by medical workers are some of the remedies suggested to improve quality of post rape care services.