title: Cervical dyskaryosis among women with and without HIV: prevalence and risk factors.
abstract: Women in developing countries often present for medical care with advanced cervical cancer, although this condition is preventable through regular screening and early treatment. This study sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors for cervical dyskaryosis among women in Zimbabwe with and without HIV. In a cross-sectional study, 200 consenting women were screened for cervical dyskaryosis and sexually transmitted infections (STI). The relationship between various risk factors for cervical dyskaryosis was examined. The overall prevalence of cervical dyskaryosis was high (19%), and significantly higher among HIV-infected women at 30% compared with 13% among seronegative women, with a peak at a younger age among seropositive women. Use of intravaginal herbs, practising intravaginal cleansing, being single, a history of three or more lifetime sexual partners and a history of previous STI were associated with cervical dysplasia. The high frequency of cervical abnormality lends weight to the demand for implementation of regular screening programmes and health education.
authors.affiliation: Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, Department of International Health, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130, Blindern 0317, Norway. elizabethmbizvo@hotmail.com
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Mbizvo
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Msuya
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stray-Pedersen
authors.forename: M Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Chirenje
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hussain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000635:transmission; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D044364:Vaginal Douching / Q000009:adverse effects