Abstract
Background Nearly 90% of deaths from cervical cancer occurred in low resource setting. In Ethiopia the magnitude of cervical cancer was 17%. Precancerous cervical lesions may progress to cervical cancer. Early screening and treatment of precancerous cervical lesions is a cost effective way to avert the growth of cervical cancer. However, there is a limited research on risk factors of precancerous cervical lesions in Ethiopia. Therefore the aim of this study was to identify determinants of precancerous cervical lesions in south Ethiopia.Method A facility based case-control study was carried out in five health facilities in south Ethiopia between 8 May to 28 September 2018. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 98 cases and 197 controls. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify determinants of precancerous cervical lesions.Results Women aged 30-39 years (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.03 – 6.08), monthly income < 42 USD and 43-66 USD (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.34 – 6.08; AOR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.31 – 9.88), initiation of first sexual intercourse at age less than or equal to 20 (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.14 – 5.47), having more than one life time sexual partners (AOR=4.70, 95% CI:2.02–10.95), having a partner/ husband with more than one lifetime sexual partners (AOR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.35–6.65) had higher odds of precancerous cervical lesions.Conclusion Strategies to prevent precancerous cervical lesions should focus on modification of life style and sexual behaviour. The findings of this study highlight implications for policy makers by suggesting that targeting older women for cervical cancer screening, addressing inequalities and education relating to risky sexual behaviour may reduce precancerous cervical lesions. Further longitudinal study is needed to assess awareness of women about cervical cancer screening.
Predictors of cervical cancer screening among Kenyan women: results of a nested case-control study in a nationally representative survey
