Cervical Cancer in Northern Tanzania–What Do Women Living With HIV Know

Authors

Dorah Mrema
James Samwel Ngocho
Alex Mremi
Maryam Amour
Rogathe Machange
Benjamin C Shayo
Julius P Alloyce
Evaline Ndosi
Beatus T Shirima
Device Fande
Rahma Shehoza
Emmanuel Balandya
Bruno Sunguya
Stephen E Mshana
Alfred K Mteta
Eligius Lyamuya
John Bartlett
Blandina T Mmbaga

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal

Frontiers in Oncology

DOI

10.3389/fonc.2022.957325

PMID

36698389

PMCID

PMC9868899

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-9-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

cervical cancer, WLHIV, knowledge, HIV infection, awareness and Tanzania

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is more prevalent in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to the general population. The magnitude is high among all countries burdened with HIV-Tanzania is no exception. Despite the unprecedented risk, women living with HIV (WLHIV) may not be aware of the risk and might have unfounded beliefs thereof. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, awareness, and beliefs on CC screening among WLHIV attending a clinic at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Northern Tanzania.

METHODS: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 WLHIV attending care and treatment clinic (CTC) at KCMC. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Both descriptive and regression methods were used to determine CC knowledge, awareness, and beliefs as well as factors associated with knowledge of CC among WLHIV using SPSS version 23.

RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 46 ± 10.4 years. Although just half (54.7%) of WLHIV had insufficient knowledge of CC, the majority of the participants (83.5%) were able to recognize at least three risk factors, but with limited understanding of symptoms and prevention. The majority held positive beliefs on CC and screening practices. Factors associated with good knowledge of CC included being married (AOR: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.84-7.28), having used ART for at least 2 years (AOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.36-12.21), and having previously screened for CC (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.59).

CONCLUSION: WLHIV attending care and treatment center had insufficient knowledge about CC screening. To further improve screening and treatment for CC, at both facility and community levels, targeted awareness and education campaigns are warranted.