Assessment Of Cervical Lesions Among HIV Positive Women Using Mobile Colposcopy In Battor – Ghana

Abstract

Background: One of the major public health concerns in recent times has been the increasing rate of cervical cancer in developing countries. In an assessment of major health problems among women, cervical cancer was determined as the fourth leading cancer in women globally with over 570,000 cases been recorded annually. In Ghana, the prevalence of cervical cancer remains the 2nd highest cases of cancer among females. In sub-Saharan Africa, cervical cancer is an intersecting epidemic with HIV and it is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The risk of a woman developing cervical cancer is six times higher among women who are HIV positive compared to women are HIV negative. Cervical cancer develops as a result of the change in the cervix's normal cells. The changes in the cells make it precancerous or premalignant lesion. This can then lead to it being cancerous. The existence of cervical leukoplakia which is white patches on the cervix before application of acetic acid has also proven to be symptom of cervical cancer. Objective: This study therefore sought to assess the risk factors associated with cervical lesions and leukoplakia formation among HIV positive women using mobile colposcopy in Catholic Hospital Battor, Ghana. Methods: A facility-based retrospective complete census was conducted among HIV positive women who went for cervical screening services at Catholic Hospital, Battor. The study reviewed hospital records of HIV positive women who had been screened using mobile colposcopy for the period of February 2018 to July 2021. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the

significant factors associated with cervical lesions and leukoplakia at 95% confidence interval. Results of regression analysis was reported as odds ratios. Results: With a mean age of 42.5 years, the study observed cervical lesions and leukoplakia prevalence rates of 21.8% and 11.2% respectively. There was no significant association between leukoplakia and potential risk factors for cervical cancer. The prevalence of cervical lesion showed significant association with risk factors such as age, marital status and duration of HIV diagnosis among HIV positive women. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of cervical lesions among HIV positive women was similar to observed rates across developing countries. The risk of cervical lesion is prominent when women who are HIV positive are older. The use of mobile colposcopy proved to be feasible, effective, objective and less time consuming and can be incorporated into routine HIV care to screen for cervical lesions among HIV positive women.