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

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: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 st 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.