Prevalence and Predictors of High-Risk HPV in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the female population in sub-Saharan Africa. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main causative agent, has the potential to eradicate cervical cancer. In-country evidence of sub-types of HPV associated with cervical cancer is scanty, thus necessitating this study. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a multistage sampling technique. A molecular technique using the Cobas 4800 machine was used for genotyping. Results: 570 participants were recruited for the study. The mean age of the participants was 32.4 ± 5.2 years. The age of sexual debut ranged from 15 - 24 years with a median of 19 years. 194 participants were positive for high-risk HPV giving a prevalence of 34%. 3% (n = 17) were positive for HPV, 16. 4% (23) had a positive result for HPV, 18. 27% (n = 154) had a positive result for other high-risk groups (OHR) other than HPV 16 or 18. Positive status for high-risk HPV is associated with the presence of genital warts (OR = 7.5), a Positive HIV status (OR = 3.48), abnormal vaginal discharge (OR = 2.20), multiple sexual partners (OR = 2.30), and obesity (OR = 2.70). The prevalence of HIV in the study population was 6.84% (n = 39). Conclusion: Another High-risk HPV other than 16 and 18 appears to be the predominant form of HPV infection in Nigerian women. The risk of being positive for high-risk HPV is associated with the presence of genital warts, abnormal vaginal discharge, a positive HIV status, multiple sexual partners and Obesity. It is therefore necessary to disaggregate and study these high-risk sub-types.