Obstacles et attentes des femmes léelé en union polygyne face aux pratiques de contraception moderne en milieu rural de Banga-Lubaka

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, modern contraception enables women to improve their reproductive health and avoid maternal health risks. However, in rural areas of the country, some women of the Léelé ethnic group living in polygynous marriages do not use it freely. This study aims to explore the barriers to and expectations regarding the use of modern contraceptive methods among Léelé women in polygynous marriages living in rural areas of the Banga-Lubaka health zone. It was a descriptive qualitative study conducted between September and October 2025. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample. The data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach. The results indicate that barriers to modern contraception among Léelé women in polygynous unions include the unavailability of contraceptives and the cost of accessing services; incompatibility with cultural and religious values; a lack of confidentiality on the part of healthcare providers; and social stigma; a lack of support from family members; reproductive competition among co-wives; the fact that available contraceptives have exceeded their expiration dates; and poor quality of services and infrastructure. The expectations and needs of these women can be summarized as a need for reassuring information about contraceptive methods; and the involvement of spouses, families, and the government in contraceptive use. Interventions aimed at improvement should take these various aspects into account.