Prevalence and distribution of cervical high-risk human papillomavirus infection in a rural community of Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses and most women in the world are probably infected with at least one type of the virus during their sexual life. Oncogenic HPVs are predominantly sexually-transmitted pathogens and several high-risk types are associated with nearly all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. In view of paucity of data on the prevalence and distribution of various high risk HPV subtypes, this study was carried out to provide evidence based local data for cervical cancer preventive programs within this region. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 145 consenting women living in Ugbegun rural community of Edo central senatorial district, Edo State, Nigeria. Informed consent of each participant was obtained and socio-demographic information collected through interviewer-administered collection tool. Cervical swab sample was collected using the female cervical cell collection kit for HPV DNA testing. HPV DNA was detected by the Hybribio 21 HPV Geno array test kit which uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and flow through hybridization assay. Summary statistics were presented as mean, standard deviation, median, frequency and proportions as appropriate using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Association of sociodemographic characteristics of the women with HPV prevalence was done using the 't' test, with p value less than 0.5 considered statistical significance. Results: Twenty four of the 145 women tested positive, giving HPV prevalence of 16.6%. Six HPV serotypes were detected; types 16, 18, 35, 45, 52 and 58. HPV types 16 and 18 were most frequent, contributing 54.2%, and coinfection occurred in 29.2%. HPV-positive women had significantly higher mean number of life time sexual partners (p=0.046) and mean parity (p=0.0001) compared to HPV-negative women. The mean age of the women (p=0.710), mean age at menarche (p=0.570) and mean age at coitarche (p=0.940) were not significantly associated with prevalence of HPV Conclusion: This study showed predominance of oncogenic cervical HPV types 16 and 18 within this sub region of rural Nigeria. Strengthening reproductive and sexual education in both males and females with focus on HPV vaccination, delaying sexual activities and reduction in number of child birth are strategies which could prevent high risk HPV infection and cervical cancer in rural communities

Menstrual Pain and Associated Factors amongst Undergraduates of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma; Edo State; Nigeria

Background: We determined the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea and associated factors amongst undergraduates in a Nigerian university. Information on dysmenorrhoea amongst Nigerian populace is limited as it is seen as a norm and hence unreported. This is in spite of its consequences on women's socio-economic lives. Method: This was a prospective questionnaire-based study. Cluster sampling technique was used and tests of statistical significance were done using Yates corrected Chi square. Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea in this study was 76.3. The mean age at menarche was 13.8 years. Dysmenorrhoea occurred at menarche in 36.9respondents. Primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea was reported by 40.6and 16.3respondents respectively. Fifty one point nine per cent (51.9) had painful expectation of dysmenorrhoea. Having a sister with dysmenorrhoea did not have a statistically significant influence on expectation of dysmenorrhoea (CI 95; P value: 0.76). Normal activity was affected by dysmenorrhoea in 35of respondents while 68of those with dysmenorrhoea did not seek help. Hospital admission solely for dysmenorrhoea was reported by 6.9of respondents. Commonly associated symptoms with dysmenorrhoea were mood changes (59.4) and pimples (53.1). Conclusion: The high proportion of women not seeking help for dysmenorrhoea in this study may reflect the attitude of the larger society to the condition. Education to improve women's knowledge of and attitude to dysmenorrhoea is recommended