Knowledge, perceptions, and experiences regarding cancer among final-year medical interns in the kivu sub-region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a multi-institutional cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Cancer imposes a growing burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with mortality-to-incidence ratios near 65%. In the conflict-affected Kivu sub-region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, late-stage presentation, absent specialized oncology services, and weak health systems place final-year medical interns at the frontline of care. Evidence on their cancer-related competencies remains scarce. This study aimed to assess knowledge, perceptions, and experiences regarding cancer among final-year medical interns in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Maniema, and to identify factors associated with knowledge levels. Methods: A multi-institutional cross-sectional survey was conducted from 1 March to 31 May 2026. An expert-reviewed and pilot-tested questionnaire comprising 74 knowledge items (score range, 0–74) and 5 perception items (score range, 0 - 5) was administered online or face-to-face across seven institutions. A beta-binomial mixed-effects model with university as a random intercept assessed factors associated with knowledge performance. Results: Among 260 participants (mean age, 26 ± 2 years; 63% male), the mean knowledge score was 46.2 ± 9.3 (≈62%). Only 1.2% achieved good knowledge, while 52.7% had insufficient or poor knowledge. Performance was highest for cancer definition (78.1%) and lowest for the single palliative-care item (21.9%), awareness and information sources (43.2%), and risk factors (57.9%). Perceptions were predominantly favorable (82.3%), although only 24.2% ranked cancer control as a top national priority. Higher perception scores were associated with higher odds of correct responses (aOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12–1.26; P < .001). Originating from outside the DRC was associated with higher odds of correct responses (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13–2.55; P = .012), although this association was exploratory (n=10). Conclusions: Final-year medical interns showed moderate cancer knowledge, with important gaps in prevention, risk factors, and the single palliative-care item despite predominantly favorable perceptions. Strengthening undergraduate oncology education is warranted.
Source: Research Square
Authors: David Banyanga, Dismas Mpusulo, Balagizi Ganywamulume, Muniali Merveille, Richard Kambale Keukeu, Lumamaba Alpha, David Kavuka Biluge, Mwaka Shukuru Sivahera, Balegana Cirhuza, Lucien Baraka, Kikandi Kabechi Gloire, Tshass Chasinga Baharanyi, Elabrar Ibrahim, Vandrome Nakundi, Prof.Dr.Waleed Arafat, Fabien Imani Shangalume
Institutions: Université Officielle de Bukavu, University Hospital Medical Center at Treichville, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Université Evangélique en Afrique, Université libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, University of Kindu, Université Catholique du Graben, University of Goma, Alexandria University, University of Kinshasa
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225345390