CERVICAL CANCER RISK-PERCEPTION AND PREVENTIVE BEHAVIOUR OF HIV POSITIVE WOMEN AT A TREATMENT CENTRE IN LAGOS NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a potential risk
for females infected with human-immuno
deficiency virus (HIV). This study was
conceptualised to assess cervical cancer
screening patterns of HIV positive women in a
research and treatment centre of Lagos
Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive crosssectional
study was conducted on 449 HIV
positive women recruited by systematic random
sampling method from the HIV clinic. A pretested,
structured, interviewer-administered
questionnaire was used to determine
demographic details, gynaecology history,
knowledge on cervical cancer risk factors and
symptoms as well as preventive practices. Data
analysis was done with Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. We
obtained ethical approval from the Institutional
Review Board of the Nigerian Institute for
Medical Research. Verbal and written consent
were also obtained from the participants.
Results: Most (48.1%) of the respondents were
within the 30-39 years age bracket (mean age
34 years). The majority (65.5%) were married,
over 90% had been sexually active and 73.2%
had sexual debut between ages 15-24 years.
About 61.7% of the respondents had been
diagnosed with HIV for over 3 years.
More than 50% of the respondents were
knowledgeable on cervical cancer preventive
strategies such as Pap smear screening and
HPV Vaccination. However, about 70% were
ignorant about risk factors for cervical cancer.
The majority (80%) of participants had never
had a Pap smear done whilst less than 20% had
been screened by Pap smear at least once.
Conclusion: The deficient perception and
practices of cervical cancer prevention by this
at-risk group can be tackled through concerted
educational efforts and affordable prevention
services incorporated into the HIV treatment
plan.