Factors associated with co-morbidity of HIV and cervical cancer in Swaziland

Abstract

Background Human immune-deficiency virus makes it difficult for the body to fight the incidence and reoccurrence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection which is associated with cervical cancer. People with HIV infection thus have a higher risk for cervical cancer. The objective of the study was to determine factors associated with co-morbidity of HIV and cervical cancer in Swaziland. Methods A retrospective review was conducted at Mbabane Government Hospital, the national referral hospital in Swaziland. All histologically confirmed cervical cancer records from 2010 to 2012 with HIV status documentation were considered for analysis. Univariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between HIV and age, marital status, parity, cancer staging and treatment option. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the predictive model. Findings It was found that out of 257 cervical cancer patients, 60% (n=155) were HIV positive. Patients that were less than 49 years of age were 5·96 times (CI: 3·4 – 10·4) more likely to be HIV positive than HIV negative patients. Patients that were never married were 3.7 times more likely to be HIV positive than married patients (CI: 1.96 – 6·83). Patients that had parity of two and less were 3.7 times more likely to be HIV positive. Interpretation In summary, the results of this study imply that age, parity and marital status are the main factors associated with comorbidity of HIV and cervical cancer in Swaziland. This calls for targeted screening of women particularly single women within 33 and 47 years old found positive.