Factors Associated with High-Risk HPV Positivity Among Female Sex Workers and Single Mothers in Zambia Open Access
O'Connell, Benjamin (Fall 2022)
Abstract
Introduction: HPV is the most common STI in the world with millions of active cases at any given time. Most of these infections are cleared without issue, but some high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types are known to both cause warts and induce the development of cancer at or around its infection site. Because of HPV’s high prevalence and propensity to cause cancer, it is routinely listed as one of the primary causes of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer. Even though a safe and effective vaccine has already been developed, its high cost and difficult shipping and administration have left many nations, especially in lower- and middle-income countries, unprotected. However, Zambia has run its government-sponsored HPV vaccination program for adolescents for nearly a decade, and the benefits should be forthcoming as those individuals grow up. Still, HPV remains a large obstacle for the foreseeable future.
Methods: Many exposures were recorded from a group of HIV-negative female sex workers and single mothers in Zambia. A preliminary simple test of association, either a chi-square test or t-test, was used on each variable to narrow down the choices. Variables that were statistically significantly (alpha 0.05) associated with hrHPV positivity in bivariate analyses (using Chi-square (or Fisher’s exact) tests and t-tests, as appropriate) were entered into a Poisson regression model.
Results: In this cohort with very high hrHPV prevalence (44%), there were few symptoms of HPV reported. Pain during urination (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.99), visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) positivity (PR = 2.52), and changing absorbent material during menstruation in a bathroom instead of a private room (PR = 1.27) were statistically significantly associated with hrHPV infection in a multivariable model. VIA testing showed encouraging signs of reliability when cross-tabulated with hrHPV infection.
Conclusions: The results of this analysis can be used for more targeted studies into hrHPV in Zambian women. Regular screenings even when VIA tests are the only screening methods available, are recommended.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………….…………………. 1
2. Methods ……………………………………………………………………………………….…………. 7
3. Results ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… 9
4. Discussion …………………………………..…………………………………………………………... 12
5. References …………………………………………………………………………….………………… 15
6. Tables …………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 18
About this Master's Thesis
| School | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Subfield / Discipline | |
| Degree | |
| Submission | |
| Language |
|
| Research Field | |
| Keyword | |
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor |
Primary PDF
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Factors Associated with High-Risk HPV Positivity Among Female Sex Workers and Single Mothers in Zambia () | 2022-11-30 11:33:33 -0500 |
|
Supplemental Files
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|