The Extent and Determinants of Passive Corruption in Hospitals: The Case of the Luambo Health Zone of the Kasaï-Central Provincial, Democratic Republic of Congo

Lubemba Tshilomba  Tharcisse; Bernard-Kennedy  Nkongolo; Mpunga Mukendi  Dieudonné

doi:10.34118/amr.v5i2.4653

Lubemba Tshilomba Tharcisse School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bernard-Kennedy Nkongolo Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mpunga Mukendi Dieudonné School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34118/amr.v5i2.4653

Keywords: Passive corruption, health services, Luambo, equity, governance, transparency

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction Passive corruption undermines equity and quality in healthcare across developing countries. This study assessed its prevalence and determinants in the Luambo Health Zone (ZS), Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methodology A cross‑sectional survey was conducted among 422 participants (300 patients and 122 providers). Data were collected through structured interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Passive corruption was defined as informal payments or tariff non‑compliance. Independent variables included sociodemographic, institutional, and perceptual characteristics. Analyses were performed in SPSS 25, with descriptive statistics to estimate prevalence and chi‑square tests to explore associations between corruption and explanatory factors.

Results Passive corruption was reported by 49.3% of patients and 52.5% of providers. The most affected services were maternity, emergency, laboratory, and pharmacy. Patients cited weak administrative oversight, lack of transparency, and dialect‑based discrimination, while providers emphasized low remuneration, poor monitoring, and a culture of complacency. Reported consequences included deterioration of institutional image, reduced quality of care, declining patient attendance, and increased household costs. Chi‑square analysis showed significant associations with education, employment, prior knowledge of official tariffs, and professional role among providers.

Conclusion Passive corruption is widespread in Luambo’s health facilities, driven by both individual vulnerabilities and institutional weaknesses. Addressing it requires transparent fee display, stronger oversight, digitized payments, improved staff conditions, and community awareness. Future research should integrate qualitative approaches and monitor decentralization reforms to strengthen governance and ensure equitable access to healthcare.

References

ABSTRACTIntroduction Passive corruption undermines equity and quality in healthcare across developing countries. This study assessed its prevalence and determinants in the Luambo Health Zone (ZS), Democratic Republic of Congo.Methodology A cross‑sectional survey was conducted among 422 participants (300 patients and 122 providers). Data were collected through structured interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Passive corruption was defined as informal payments or tariff non‑compliance. Independent variables included sociodemographic, institutional, and perceptual characteristics. Analyses were performed in SPSS 25, with descriptive statistics to estimate prevalence and chi‑square tests to explore associations between corruption and explanatory factors.Results Passive corruption was reported by 49.3% of patients and 52.5% of providers. The most affected services were maternity, emergency, laboratory, and pharmacy. Patients cited weak administrative oversight, lack of transparency, and dialect‑based discrimination, while providers emphasized low remuneration, poor monitoring, and a culture of complacency. Reported consequences included deterioration of institutional image, reduced quality of care, declining patient attendance, and increased household costs. Chi‑square analysis showed significant associations with education, employment, prior knowledge of official tariffs, and professional role among providers.Conclusion Passive corruption is widespread in Luambo’s health facilities, driven by both individual vulnerabilities and institutional weaknesses. Addressing it requires transparent fee display, stronger oversight, digitized payments, improved staff conditions, and community awareness. Future research should integrate qualitative approaches and monitor decentralization reforms to strengthen governance and ensure equitable access to healthcare.