TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Congolese Women in Kinshasa on Breast Cancer
AUTHORS:
Pierre Joseph Ingala Amasa, Ernest Ombha Loshima, Arsène Mputu Lobota, Guy Lambert Monzango Sibo, Malka Salamo Azama, Gracia Tambola Wasinga, Dieudonné Omatuku Tshofu, Fidèle Djamba Okitokonda
KEYWORDS:
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Breast Cancer, Congolese Woman in Kinshasa
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
26,
2024
ABSTRACT: Context: Breast cancer is a high-mortality disease. Early detection has considerably reduced mortality in developed countries. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Congolese women in Kinshasa on breast cancer, their levels and to identify factors associated with insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes and non-beneficial practices. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical aims, carried out from June 1 to September 30, 2023, in Kinshasa. It involved 1170 female respondents, aged 18 to 65, who agreed to take part in the survey. Data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20.0. The study variables were socio-demographics, morbid history, knowledge, attitudes and practices of respondents regarding breast cancer. Statistical measures and tests used were Mean ± standard deviation, median, proportions, logistic regression Backward stepwise and p Results: 60% had insufficient knowledge, 75% had negative attitudes and 80% had non-beneficial practices. The risk factors common to insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes and non-beneficial practices towards breast cancer were low level of education, membership of revivalist or Muslim churches, and primiparity. Conclusion: 60% of Congolese women in Kinshasa have insufficient knowledge about breast cancer, 75% have negative attitudes and 80% have non-beneficial practices, with a positive association between insufficient knowledge and negative attitudes on the one hand, and insufficient knowledge and non-beneficial practices on the other. In this context, increasing the population’s literacy and access to information are essential.