Prevalence and spectrum of cervical cytological abnormalities among brothel based sex workers in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Female sex workers being high-risk group are more susceptible to infections with the Human Papillomavirus and thus, the development of the premalignant and malignant disease of the cervix. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence and spectrum of cervical cytological abnormalities among female sex workers in Jos, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Brothel based sex workers (BBSW) aged 18years and above in Jos, Nigeria between March 2018-February 2019. Papanicolaou test technique was the screening method used to detect premalignant lesions. Data were entered and analyzed using STATA version 15.1 software.

Results: A total of 201 participants were recruited for the study. One hundred and ninety-four (194) had adequate smears and were included in the analysis. Of this 80.4% were negative for intraepithelial malignancy, while 19.6% were positive for intraepithelial malignancy and this included ASCUS (10.3%), LSIL (4.6%), HSIL (3.6%), AGUS (0.5%) and ASC-H (0.5%). Abnormal cervical cytology was seen more in participants that were single, between the ages of 24-34years, multiparous, with a previous history of sexually transmitted disease, and have greater than 2 clients/day, but all these were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology among BBSW, there is a need for them to have regular screening, follow-up, and treatment of premalignant lesions to prevent progression to frank cervical cancer.