Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Women Regarding Breast Cancer in Lubumbashi (DRC): A Cross-Sectional Study

Research Article

Abstract

Context: Breast cancer represents as neoplasm malign the most common disease in women worldwide. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), lack of awareness of the disease is a major obstacle to its early treatment.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of women of reproductive age regarding breast cancer in Lubumbashi.

Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 589 participants recruited from several communes in Lubumbashi. A structured questionnaire assessing knowledge (16 items), attitudes (10 items) and practices (10 items) was administered face-to-face.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 23.0 ± 6.5 years. The mean knowledge score was 2.92/16 (18.3%), with only 10.7% of participant searching a good level. The best-known item was the general definition of breast cancer (46.2%). Attitude (2.66/10) and practice (2.29/10) scores were also low, with a good level noted in 19.5% and 18.0% of participants, respectively. Prior exposure to information about breast cancer was associated with a betterlevel of knowledge (p = 0.039). The correlations between knowledge-attitude (r = 0.33) and attitude-practice (r = 0.29) were significant.

Conclusion: The overall level of breast cancer awareness and literacy (BACC) is insufficient in Lubumbashi. Targeted educational interventions are urgently needed to improve early detection and reduce breast cancer mortality.