Users’ Satisfaction with Wheeled Mobility Assistive in Kinshasa and Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: Wheeled mobility assistive devices greatly assist individuals with disabilities. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country in armed conflict, no study has been conducted to describe the satisfaction with mobility assistive devices in adults with chronic spinal cord injuries (ACSCI). The aim of this study was to describe the level of satisfaction related to adult with spinal cord injury use of wheeled mobility assistive devices. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involves 126 ACSCI in Goma and Kinshasa between January 2020 and June 2021. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) was used to assess the intrinsic qualities and services of wheeled mobility assistive devices. Statistical analysis included the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test with post-hoc Bonferroni correction. Results: Overall, participants reported being moderately satisfied with intrinsic qualities. Notably, they expressed high satisfaction with solidity (32.5%, p= 0.003) and general satisfaction with efficacy (48.3%, p= 0.036). However, there was notable dissatisfaction with dimensions and weight (equality: 33.3%, p < 0.001). Regarding services, adult with spinal cord injury participants demonstrated a significant level of dissatisfaction with the cost (54.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights significant disparities in the provision and use of WMADs among ACSCIs. While users were generally moderate in their satisfaction with the intrinsic qualities of the devices, they were not satisfied with the service-related aspects. To address these issues, a user-centred national strategy is essential to ensure equitable access to affordable, locally appropriate mobility aids supported by qualified professionals.