Predictors of cervical precancerous lesions among women attending an urban Primary Health Centre in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, significantly contributing to women’s morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify predictors of cervical precancerous lesions among Nigerian women attending an urban Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Lagos State.

Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using hospital-based data from 500 women aged 20 to 55 years who were screened for cervical cancer at an urban PHC in Lagos between June 2021 and June 2022. Information on sociodemographic factors, sexual and reproductive history, behavioural characteristics, and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening outcomes was analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.5.0.

Results: Of the 500 women screened (mean age: 37.2 years), 45 (9%) had positive VIA results. The median age of sexual debut was 22 years, and 5.7% reported a family history of cervical cancer. Prior screening uptake was low (15.3%). Significant predictors of VIA positivity included early sexual debut (<18 years) (OR=1.6; 95% CI=1.43-1.85; p < 0.001), age ≥35 years (OR=2.8; 95% CI=2.45-3.13; p < 0.001), and higher parity (OR=2.4; 95% CI=1.86-3.00; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Advanced age, early sexual debut, and higher parity were significant predictors of VIA positivity. Targeted interventions should focus on prioritising cervical screening for older women, raising awareness about the risks of early sexual debut, and enhancing prevention efforts for women with higher parity in Lagos state.