Ann Womens Health | Volume 4, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer Prevention in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Qualitative Study

Desire Kamba Banza¹, Olivier Mukuku^2*, Alain Mpania², Faustin Mukelenge Chenge^1,3, Jean- Baptiste SZ Kakoma^1,3, Gilbert Wembodinga⁴ and Oscar NumbiLuboya^1,2

¹Department of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, DR Congo ²Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales de Lubumbashi, DR Congo ³Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Lubumbashi, DR Congo ⁴Department of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, DR Congo

^*Correspondance to: Olivier Mukuku 

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Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is undoubtedly a worrying public health problem, the heaviest burden of which is borne by developing countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are still struggling to put in place coherent programs capable of reducing the incidence of the disease because of the many challenges they face. The present study aims to document the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women and healthcare workers in Mbuji-Mayi on cervical cancer in order to plan educational needs. Methods: We opted for a descriptive qualitative approach by focus groups around the three main themes (knowledge, attitudes and practices) and by individual interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire around the same themes. Results: Knowledge of cervical cancer was poor in the community (women interviewed). The nurses were mainly informed on a few aspects of the disease. The practitioners had acceptable theoretical knowledge, but the practice remained very rudimentary. An attitude of resignation with sometimes superstitious and supernatural considerations was observed regarding the disease by the community (women interviewed). Conclusion: The practice of prevention, whether primary or secondary, against cervical cancer was almost nonexistent in Mbuji-Mayi.

Keywords:

Cervical cancer; Prevention; Women’s perception; Barriers

Citation:

Banza DK, Mukuku O, Mpania A, Chenge FM, Jean-Baptiste SZ Kakoma, Wembodinga G, et al. Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer Prevention in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Qualitative Study. Ann Womens Health. 2020; 4(1): 1017..