Prevalence of Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion in Relation to HIV Status in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The interaction between HPV and HIV infections is important in the development of cervical cancer especially where HIV prevalence is high and HPV vaccine coverage is low. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions in relation to HIV status among women in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Methodology: A total of 235 HIV negative women (HNW) and 231 HIV positive women(HPW) between the ages of 18-60 years were recruited and screened using conventional Pap smear in the cytology clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. The results were classified according to the 2001 Bethesda System of classification.

Result: Majority of the study participants were between the ages of 25 years and 36 years. 95.1% of the HNW and 89.3% of the HPW were negative for Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SILs). The prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology was more than two times higher in the cases than in the controls (10.6% vs 4.9%, p<0.05). The frequency for all categories of SILs was higher in the HPW.

Conclusion: This result supports the inclusion of cervical cancer screening in the routine care of women living with HIV/AIDS in this region.