Human Papillomavirus Infection: Molecular Epidemiology and Acceptability of Screening and Vaccination among Women in Eastern Kenya Counties
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Date
2021
Authors
Njue, James Kinoti
Muturi, Margaret W.
Kamau, Lucy
Muriuki, Joseph
Lwembe, Raphael
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJOL
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Human Papillomavirus associated cervical cancer in Kenya caused
3,286 deaths where cervical screening rate was 3.2% in 2018. This study
examined knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions (KAPP) on HPV
screening and vaccination and how these influenced HPV infections among
HIV-infected and uninfected women seeking reproductive health services.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study where socio-demographic and KAPP
data on HPV screening and vaccination data was collected by the use of a
questionnaire. Cervical swabs were obtained for HPV DNA-PCR and cytology.
Logistic regression and Pearson chi-square tests were used to analyze statistical
relationships.
RESULTS
Among the 317 women recruited, HPV infections were significantly
associated with marital status, number of sexual partners, hormonalcontraceptives use, HIV infection, presence of genital warts, recurrent UTIs,
and TB infection. The number of participants with knowledge on HPV
screening was significant in Embu County, among those younger than 30 years,
with secondary and college level education, marital status, religion, and
contraceptives use. Having a relative with a history of any cancer was
significantly associated with knowledge and perceiving HPV screening as
important. Participants who perceived HPV vaccination as important were
significant across age, family planning, and parity. Fear of embarrassment,
procedures, and results, lack of time, and cost of the test were reported as
reasons for failing to screen for HPV.
CONCLUSION
Knowledge, willingness, and perceiving HPV screening as important as
well as willingness to vaccinate against HPV may reduce HPV infections among
women seeking reproductive health services in Eastern Kenya.
Description
Article
Keywords
HPV, Vaccination, Screening, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Perception
Citation
Njue, J. K., Muturi, M. W., Kamau, L., Muriuki, J., & Lwembe, R. (2021). Human Papillomavirus Infection: Molecular Epidemiology and Acceptability of Screening and Vaccination among Women in Eastern Kenya Counties. African Journal of Health Sciences, 34(3), 278-293.