Estimated prevalence of human papillomavirus among Nigerian women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

HPV prevalence in Nigeria has been challenging to quantify given regional population heterogeneity and differences in diagnostic methodology. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies, each of which summarized HPV prevalence in women residing in six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The estimated pooled prevalence (effect size) of HPV in Nigeria was 32% (CI: 23-41%). HPV prevalence was 29% (CI: 20-39%) among studies that detected HPV by genotype. HPV prevalence among studies that used serologic detection was 38% (CI: 12-65%). When stratified by region, a study in the South East (SE) geopolitical zone reported the highest prevalence of 71% (CI: 61-80%) while a study in the South South (SS) geopolitical zone reported the lowest prevalence of 4.9% (CI: 3-9%). HPV prevalence in Nigeria was high. Heterogeneity between study regions and differing HPV detection methods both contribute to variation in estimates. Using pooled estimates serves to inform future strategies for epidemiologic surveillance and future design of HPV and cervical cancer prevention initiatives. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[6]:89-96).

Infection with high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus and cervical cytological findings among kidney transplant recipients in Kenya: a single centre experience

Background: High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection is linked with uterine cervix premalignant lesions and invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study carried out among female kidney transplant (KTx) recipients in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi-Kenya. We studied the risk factors for acquisition of hrHPV, examined cervical cytology and assayed for 14 hrHPV DNA using Cervista® HPV HR test and Cervista® MTA (Hologic®) automated platforms. Results: The 14-hrHPV genotypes assayed were 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68 and the prevalence rate was 31.25 % (10/32). Abnormal cervical cytology was noted in 4/32 (12.5%) and included low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (2/32), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (1/32) and atypical glandular cells (1/32). The average age was 41.9years with mean age at first coitus being 20.4 years. Majority of the women 20(62.5%) were married while 8(25%) were single. About 18(56.3%) had only one sexual partner. About 20% of women were nulliparous and 4(12.5%) had a parity of five. Duration sincetransplantation ranged between 1-21 years. Conclusions: The burden of hrHPV and abnormal cervical cytology in our study seemed lower than that reported elsewhere and even in general population. This study may form basis for further studies about HPV infections and carcinoma of the uterine cervix among the kidney allograft recipients in our setting

Perception on cervical cancer and enhancing strategies to screening uptake among women in Bamenda, Cameroon: A qualitative method

The treatment of cervical cancer has a good prognosis if diagnosed early. Hence, screening is very vital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of women on cervical cancer and strategies to enhance its screening uptake in the city of Bamenda, Cameroon. Qualitative study was carried out from July, 2019 to August, 2019. Eight focus group discussions were organized in five different quarters in the city of Bamenda. These quarters and participants were purposively selected and each group constituted 6 to 8 Participants. Ethical clearance and administrative authorization for the study were obtained prior to the study. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis with the help of QDA Miner. A total of 53 study participants took part in this study. Their ages ranged between 21 to 45 years. Most participants did not know about cervical cancer. Their perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening included: inadequate sensitization; financial challenges and embarrassing testing strategies; lack of awareness on the availability of screening centers; poor attitude of health personnel. Proposed strategies to enhance cervical cancer screening were: sensitization of the population, recruitment of more competent staff, testing centers should be located closed to the target population, less embarrassing screening methods should be used, health care workers should demonstrate positive attitudes during care, female staff should manage the screening units, screening cost should be subsidized. Due to the Small purposive sample size and qualitative nature of this study, the findings are not generalizable