top of page

​Disclaimer: This group was included as part of Africa as it presents the major group that has been resettled by IISTL since 2016.

Background

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is in Central Africa. It consists of more than 300 ethnic groups with six ethnic groups constituting most of the population [1]. They are Luba, Kongo, Mongo, Rwandese, Azande, Bangi, and Ngale. Four national languages predominate. They are Lingala, Swahili, Ciluba, and Kikongo. French is the official language for government and university education. Almost 70% of Congolese practice Christianity, with most refugees being referred to the US being Protestants. DRC gained independence from Belgian rule in 1960.

Due to colonial oppression and exploitation, as well as dangerous circumstances in DRC before and after independence, the overall health indicators of the population of DRC are poor [2].

Health Beliefs

  • In general, Congolese immigrants are receptive to Western medicine and may incorporate traditional and cultural medicine during times of illness [2]. 

  • Barriers like geographic locations of health centers and high costs may influence their preference for traditional medicine over Western medicine. 

  • Congolese Christians are known to place a high priority on prayer, viewing it as an essential role in the healing process [2]. Due to spiritualism, patients may incorporate divine concepts as an explanation for their health outcome. 

  • Mental illness is considered taboo, and is frequently seen as a curse and may be associated with the product of witchcraft or supernatural forces [2].

  • Female genital mutilation may be practiced for cultural, religious, or non-therapeutic reasons [2]. 

​

​

​

​

Medical Touch

Social Traits

  • Spiritualism

  • Patriarchalism

  • Age hierarchy

  • Gender roles

Implications for Health Practitioners/Health Questions

Greeting: Due to the age hierarchical system and patriarchal system, patients are sometimes hesitant to provide information to a young or opposite-sex clinician.

 

Patients prefer a healthcare provider and/or interpreter of the same sex.

This can extend to childbirth - Can compromise with the patient by having a female physician in the room 

 

Mental Health: Providers should consider the experiences of immigrants from Congo to better assist patients. The unsettling history, colonial exploitation, and prolonged separation can negatively impact the mental well-being of many Congolese. Mental health and counseling are rarely considered in Congolese culture. Patients may find it uncomfortable to disclose information to strangers. 

 

Conditions like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorders can be observed in Congolese populations [3].

Diet: Diet practices are often dependent on the regional areas of Congo. Potatoes, yams, and cassava are common high-complex carbohydrates observed in the diet. Fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables are also commonly consumed in a traditional Congolese diet [4].

Organic Potatoes
Healthcare Workers
Child Psycholgist

Questions/Education

  • Healthcare challenge:

    • Information regarding therapy and surgical intervention should be communicated understandably. 

    • Utilization of medical translators can be beneficial to patient health outcomes due to the language barrier. 

    • Ask patients about additional treatments they might be using

      • Many Congolese may supplement with traditional medicine. Ask to ensure that none of the ingredients they utilize would interact with the prescribed medication [2].

    • Be understanding of the patient’s perspective regarding mental health or treatment.

  • Social History: 

    • Tobacco consumption can be observed in Congo’s population. 

  • Women: 

    • Be mindful of the patient’s sexual history and sexual health education. 

    • Asking females about the history of FMG can be difficult while providing treatment related to STDs or genital diseases.

Health Challenges

  • Smoking is a common cultural habit, so it will be challenging to make them understand the danger of oral cancer and other related diseases by making them understand the science behind it in understandable language.

  • Mental health is considered taboo, so it is essential to convince them about the importance of mental health and the need to get the necessary treatment so that they will be able to achieve their total health. 

  • HIV/AIDS is a prevalent condition among the Congolese population, so it is essential to be considerate while asking about their sexual history and encourage them to get tested if a clinician suspects STDs such as HIV or Syphilis [2].

Prescription Drugs

Women's Health

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs for cultural, religious, or non-therapeutic reasons. While treating a patient with genital-related diseases or conditions, FGM or a History of FGM should be considered, and it should be kept in mind that it is sometimes considered a good thing or a religious thing.

    • Federal Law 18 Code 116: It is illegal to perform infibulation on women below the age of 18 [5]. 

Conclusion

  • Cultural and social views about mental health and FMG are against the Western therapeutic approach for Congolese people. Still, it is essential to make them aware of the potential harms of neglecting it, and also, providing them with proper care is of utmost importance.

  • Traditional Congolese approach to treating patients almost always contradicts the Western Medicine approach, so Congolese patients should be educated to make the right decisions to take care of their health.

  • Smoking and drinking habits are also cultural habits. Still, they are harmful to the health of the Congolese population, so it is essential to educate them and make them aware of the potential hazards of the habits.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Resources for Patients

  • Vitendo4africa

    • Non-profit organization whose activities are directed towards empowering communities through educational and outreach programs in Missouri and in Africa.

    • Address:  7220 N Lindbergh Blvd, Hazelwood, MO 63042

    • Phone: 314-252-0488

    • Link: https://vitendo4africa.org/

  • Oasis International

    • To love and care for those seeking refuge from a war-torn country with the heart of Jesus.

    • Address: 5035 Gravois Ave. St Louis, MO 63116

    • Phone: 314-353-3800 - Mon to Thurs from 10:00am-2:00pm

    • Link: https://www.oasis4refugees.org/refugees/

  • The Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project (MICA Project)

    • A community organization committed to working with low-income immigrants to overcome barriers to justice 

    • Address: 2650 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118

    • Phone: 314-995-6995 - Mon to Fri from 8:30am -4:30pm

    • Link: http://www.mica-project.org/resources--recursos.html

  • Welcome Neighbor STL/START

    • To partner with refugee and immigrant families, connecting them with the people and opportunities that will empower them to build and live their best life in their new country.

    • Address: 4170 Delor St., St. Louis, MO 63116

    • Email: info@welcomeneighborstl.com 

    • Link: https://welcomeneighborstl.org/

​

This information was read and approved by ______, the representative of ____.

References

(1) Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Congo to the United Nations. (2015, June 12). Country Facts. Country Facts | Congo. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://www.un.int/congo/congo/country-facts#

(2) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 16). Congolese Refugee Health Profile. Congolese Refugee Health Profile | CDC. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/profiles/congolese/index.html

(3) On'okoko, M. O., Jenkins, R., Miezi, S. M. M., Andjafono, D. O. L. E., & Mushidi, I. M. (2010). Mental health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a post-crisis country challenge. International psychiatry : bulletin of the Board of International Affairs of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 7(2), 41–42.

(4) Metro South Health. (2021, February 1). Food and cultural practices of the Congolese community in Australia - a community resource. Food and cultural practices of the Congolese community in Australia - a community resource. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/heau-cultural-profile-congolese.pdf

(5) House of Representatives, Congress. (2011, December 30). 18 U.S.C. 116 - Female genital mutilation. [Government]. U.S. Government Publishing Office. https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2011-title18/USCODE-2011-title18-partI-chap7-sec116 

bottom of page