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Cervical Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Informal Sector Women: Prevention Challenges in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and poses a major public health challenge. Despite availability of effective preventive measures, data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of women, particularly those in the informal sector, remain limited in the Eastern region of the DRC. This study aimed to assess KAPs regarding cervical cancer prevention and to identify factors associated with adequate knowledge among women working in the informal sector in Bukavu. Methodology: to December 20th, 2025, involving 425 women aged 18 and older working in the informal sector in Bukavu, South Kivu, eastern DRC. Data were collected using a standardized, workplace-administered questionnaire. KAPs were evaluated using scoring systems and categorized as either "good" or "poor" based on predefined thresholds. Factors associated with adequate knowledge were identified via multivariate regression. Results: Out of 425 participants with a median age of 31 years, 56.0% reported having heard of cervical cancer (general awareness), while only 6.67% had ever undergone a screening test. Adequate multi-factorial knowledge regarding the disease was observed among 23.12% of participants. While 77.18% exhibited a positive attitude toward cervical cancer prevention, 93.07% demonstrated poor overall preventive practices. In the adjusted model, access to healthcare was strongly associated with adequate knowledge of prevention measures (Adjusted OR = 3.12, p = 0.024). Additionally, exhibiting good overall preventive practices co-varied positively with participants' knowledge (Adjusted OR = 4.05, p <0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights a critical gap in multifactorial knowledge and poor preventive practices regarding cervical cancer among women in Bukavu's informal sector. The findings suggest that enhancing access to healthcare and promoting healthy preventive behaviors may strongly be linked to improve awareness. Targeted public health awareness campaigns represent a vital structural step toward reducing the incidence of this disease in the region.

Source: International Journal of Women s Health

DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s646534

Authors: Thérèse Musimwa Kazindu, Emmanuel Lurhangire, Armand Bisimwa Mulume, Michel P Hermans, Pacifique Mwene-Batu

Institutions: Université Catholique de Bukavu, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836