CERVICAL CANCER PREVALANCE AND RISK FACTORS AMONG WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV IN IBADAN

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer among women worldwide, primarily caused by chronic infection with high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HR-HPV). Over 90% of new cases occur in developing and resource-limited nations. This study examined the prevalence of cervical cancer and associated risk factors among women living with HIV in Ibadan. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving a sample size of 358 women living with HIV and cervical cancer, as confirmed by medical records, aged 18 years and above. Quantitative data collection techniques were employed, with data gathered using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Windows version 20. The findings revealed that most respondents showed significant awareness and proactive behavior towards cervical cancer prevention, with a self-reported prevalence of cervical cancer among women living with HIV in Ibadan at 7%. A substantial proportion (95.0%) had been screened in the past 12 months, and 84.4% adhered to annual screenings. Marital status (p=0.023), occupation (p=0.002), and the number of children (p=0.001) were significantly associated with cervical cancer prevalence, with married women, self-employed individuals, and those with fewer children reporting higher cases. However, other factors such as educational status (p=0.167), religion (p=0.203), income level (p=0.082), time since HIV diagnosis (p=0.669), spouse’s HIV status, disclosure of HIV status, number of sexual partners, and history of sexually transmitted infections (p=0.234) showed no significant association with cervical cancer risk. The study recommends that awareness campaigns be designed to educate women living with HIV about the identified risk factors for cervical cancer, such as the number of children, contraceptive use, and physical inactivity, to promote preventive behaviors