Prevalence and predictors of precancerous cervical lesions among HIV-positive women in Jos, north-central Nigeria

Cervical cancer screening outcomes for HIV-positive women in the Lubombo and Manzini regions of Eswatini-Prevalence and predictors of a positive visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screen

This study aimed to describe the prevalence and predictors of a positive VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) cervical cancer screening test in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We retrospectively analysed data from women aged ≥15 who accessed VIA screening from health facilities in the Lubombo and Manzini regions of Eswatini. Sociodemographic and clinical data from October 2020 to June 2023 were extracted from the client management information system (CMIS). VIA screening outcome was categorised into negative, positive, or suspicious. A logistic regression model estimated the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of the predictors of a positive VIA screen at p<0.05 with 95% confidence intervals. Of 23,657 participants, 60.8% (n = 14,397) were from the Manzini region. The mean age was 33.3 years (standard deviation 7.0), and 33% (n = 7,714) were first-time screens. The prevalence of a positive VIA was 2.6% (95% CI: 2.2%, 3.0%): 2.8% (95% CI: 2.2%, 3.5%) in Lubombo and 2.4% (95% CI: 2.0%, 2.9%) in Manzini (p = 0.096). Screening at mission-owned (AOR 1.40; p = 0.001), NGO-owned (AOR 3.08; p<0.001) and industrial/workplace-owned health facilities (AOR 2.37; p = 0.044) were associated with increased odds of a positive VIA compared to government-owned health facilities. Compared to those aged 25-34, the odds of a positive VIA increased by 1.26 for those in the 35-44 age group (AOR 1.26; p = 0.017). Predictors with lower odds for a positive VIA test were: being on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for 5-9 years (AOR 0.76; p = 0.004) and ≥10 years (AOR 0.66; p = 0.002) compared to <5 years; and having an undetectable viral load (AOR 0.39; p<0.001) compared to unsuppressed. Longer duration on ART and an undetectable viral load reduced the odds, while middle-aged women and screening at non-public health facilities increased the odds of a positive VIA screen.

Factors Associated With Precancerous Cervical Lesions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Togo

Background

The burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in developing countries, like Togo. Precancerous lesions include all cellular abnormalities that have malignant potential that can develop into cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with precancerous cervical lesions in HIV-infected women in our context.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from November 31, 2022, to January 31, 2023, in an HIV care center in Lomé (Non-Governmental Organization Espoir Vie Togo [NGO EVT] Grand-Lomé-Togo).

Results

A total of 271 women were included with a mean age of 47.0 years and a standard deviation of 10.0 years, among whom 20.7% do not have any scholar education. Only 6.7% of them had previously performed cervical smear examinations. The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions observed in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) was 11.4% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 5.0 to 15.4. Cytological abnormalities were marked by low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (5.1%), followed by the presence of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (3.5%). A statistically significant association was found between parity and the presence of precancerous lesions (P = .014).

Conclusions

In this study, more than 1 out of 10 women living with HIV had precancerous cervical lesions, and parity was the factor associated. The implementation of a systematic screening program for precancerous cervical lesions and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection integrated into HIV care is necessary for early treatment.

Prevalence of precancerous lesions and other cervical abnormalities among internally displaced women in Benue State Nigeria

Introduction

visual inspection is a low-cost screening strategy that can be used to prevent cervical cancer in women. These techniques can improve screening health outcomes for internally displaced women (IDW) who have poor sexual and reproductive health and rights' behaviors and outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of precancerous lesions and other clinical features using a visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) technique during a cervical cancer screening campaign in two internally displaced people (IDP) camps in Benue State, Nigeria.

Methods

this was a cross-sectional study of 166 IDW who voluntarily participated in the study during a VIA cervical cancer screening campaign in two IDP camps in Benue State, Nigeria the screening was done by a group of qualified and trained healthcare workers and data was collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire.

Results

a total of 99(60%) of the women had a first sexual experience at 16 years, while 78(47%) had more than 5 full-term pregnancies. Although only 72(43.4%) of the women acknowledged having more than one sexual partner, over 70% of the women stated that their sexual partner had another sexual partner. The prevalence of precancerous lesions among women was 10.8%. Smoking(p=0.003), age at menarche (p≤ 0.001) and sexual behaviors (p=0.009, p=0.004) were factors that had a statistically significant relationship with the presence of a precancerous lesion among the IDW. The study also highlights the high rate (95%) of cervicitis among the women and the relatively high rate (5.4%) of leukoplakia.

Conclusion

the majority of IDW had sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics that predisposed them to developing cervical cancer More targeted interventions aimed at improving the sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of IDW are recommended. In addition, there is a need to create awareness about cervical cancer among IDW and make screening available in camp facilities for early detection and management.

Prevalence and Determinants of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) among Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Mumbai, India

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among women predisposes them to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the causative agent for cervical cancer. The study retrospectively analyzed the data of 291 women living with HIV AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) to assess the prevalence and determinants of the HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The study found a high prevalence of cervical HPV infection (34.4%), CIN I (6.2%), and CIN II+ (8.6%). Participants with HPV DNA positivity are significantly more likely to be aged younger than 35 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–2.69), housewives (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.31–3.99), married at <20 years of age (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.13–3.58), and have been pregnant more than two times (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.08–2.87). Participants with CIN II+ are significantly more likely to be not married (OR = 3.363, 95% CI = 1.302–8.686). Considering the high prevalence of HPV and CIN observed among HIV women, it is worthwhile to integrate cervical cancer awareness programs and screening with routine follow-up of HIV patients at antiretroviral therapy clinic. This susceptible population needs attention to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the country.

Influence of the human immunodeficiency virus on cervical precancerous lesions

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of HIV status on the occurrence of cervical precancerous lesions (CPL).

METHODS

This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out between December 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. All women with documented HIV status screened for CPL with biopsies performed were recruited. The main variables recorded included maternal age, educational level, number of sexual partners, age at first sexual intercourse, smoking, alcohol consumption, HIV status, CD4 count, and cervical biopsy result. Fisher exact test and Student's t test were used for comparison. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Concerning women attending our screening units, CPL was more frequent among those living with HIV/AIDS (20/92; 21.7%) than among those not living with HIV/AIDS (29/290; 10.0%) (p = 0.004). As regards women living with HIV/AIDS, those with a CD4 count below 350/mL were more at risk of having a CPL (odds ratio [OR] 21.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.60-81.56, p ˂ 0.001). High-grade lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Stage 2 or 3) were more often found in women living with HIV/AIDS (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.09-13.45, p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

More attention should be paid to women living with HIV/AIDS, especially those with CD4 count less than 350/mL, who should be screened more often with biopsy frequently conducted if indicated.