Risk Factors Associated With Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions In A Tertiary Hospital Setting.

Abstract

Context Cervical cancer despite being largely preventable, is still the leading cause of gynaecological cancer related death among females in developing countries. Identification of risk factors will help to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Methodology This was a prospective study involving four hundred and eighty five women consecutively selected among the women attending gynaecological clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin- City. Results The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesion in this study was 20.6%. A total of 216 (44.9%) of the women were aware of cervical cancer and only 32.4% were aware of cervical cancer screening while only 13.5% ever had at least a Pap smear testing. Premalignant cervical lesion was significantly higher among women 30 years and older and lower socioeconomic class with a significant linear trend in each of these groups. High parity especially vaginal delivery, cigarette smoking and having had a previous Pap testing were each associated with increased risk of abnormal Pap smear. First marriage before 20 years of age and lifetime partners in excess of four were associated with increased risk of abnormal Pap smear. Conclusion the study demonstrated that high parity and women over 30 years of age (especially those who married earlier than 20 years of age) had a higher yield of cervical premalignant lesions.

Key Words: Risk Factors, Cervical intraepithelial lesions.