The need to incorporate routine cervical cancer counselling and screening in the management of HIV positive women in Nigeria.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the awareness and utilization of the Pap smear among HIV positive women in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional survey of women attending the anti-retroviral clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria was carried out between 1st September and 30th November 2009 using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Epi-info 3.5 statistical software of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta USA. RESULTS: None of the 300 respondents reported having received any form of counselling about cervical cancer and screening during the post HIV test counseling. Seventy six (25.3%) of them had heard of cervical cancer; Forty eight (16%) were aware of the Pap smear and only 15 (31.3%) of these (5% of the total number of respondents) have ever done the test before. The majority (69.7%) of those who had not been screened despite knowledge of the Pap smear, gave non- recommendation by their doctor as the main reason for not doing the test. CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer counseling and screening is not part of the routine management of HIV positive women in Lagos, Nigeria. There is need to address this deficiency with appropriate guidelines.