Factors Associated with an Increase in Cervical Cancer Among Women of Childbearing Age at Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells on the cervix caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide. The Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry shows that cervical cancer is the most common female cancer in women aged 15 to 44 years. Prevention of cervical cancer is largely multifaceted, with primary prevention dominated by vaccination and secondary prevention by screening and treatment. In Zimbabwe, secondary prevention is conducted through Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Cervicography. Between 2016 and 2018, Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospitals saw an increased VIAC positivity rate and it was therefore imperative to establish the factors associated with the increased positivity rate. Seventy-three (73) cases and 73 controls were recruited into a 1:1 unmatched case control study conducted at Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital. The study sample included women aged 20 - 44 years. A Case was defined as a woman aged 20-44 years who had been screened for cervical cancer through VIAC at WIDH and had a positive VIAC result and a control was defined as a woman aged 20-44 years who had been screened for cervical cancer through VIAC at WIDH and had a negative VIAC result. The results of the study indicated that being in the 30 to 35-year age group [AOR=14.51(95%CI 1.69 – 124.55)]; using combined oral contraception for family planning [AOR=11.26(95% CI 1.43 – 88.62)]; an HIV positive status [AOR=12.96(95% CI 2.05 – 81.84)] and perceiving that the individuals risk of developing cervical cancer is low [AOR= 26.58(95%CI 4.06 – 173.86)]. However, being formally employed was determined to be a protective factor against developing cervical hyperplasia [AOR= 0.10(95% CI 0.01 – 0.87)]. The researcher therefore concluded that low levels on knowledge on cervical cancer in women of childbearing age has led to them not realizing and appreciating the magnitude of risk that they are under. They are therefore unaware that their age, HIV status and their choice of contraception may determine their risk to cervical cancer. There is therefore a need to increase integrated health promotion activities especially health education on cervical cancer among women of childbearing age.