Knowledge and Practice of Women With HIV on Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control and their Attributes to Utilize the Screening Services in Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Previous studies underscore the crucial link between awareness and timely cervical cancer screening and treatment, particularly among women of reproductive age. Yet, insights remain limited when it comes to women living with HIV in Addis Ababa. This study examined the knowledge and practices of these women regarding cervical cancer screening and treatment, illuminating the factors that both enable and hinder their uptake. Methods This cross-sectional study took place in six public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, involving 578 women with HIV. The recruitment spanned 10 months, from January 1 st to October 31 st , 2021. Trained clinicians utilized the Open Data Kit for data collection, ensuring real-time submission to the server. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. The logistic regression model identified predictors of outcome variables, and open-ended questions were thematically narrated for qualitative insights. Results A notable 51.2% of women with HIV exhibited inadequate knowledge regarding cervical cancer prevention and control programs. Furthermore, a substantial 68.5% had never undergone cervical examination, citing reasons such as considering themselves healthy (49.6%), perceiving the examination as painful (28.4%), and feeling shy to undergo screening (23.3%). Notably, participants with non-formal education were 70% less likely to possess knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and control (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.13-0.71). Income emerged as an independent predictor for both knowledge and practice in women’s approach to cervical cancer prevention and control ( P < 0.05). Additionally, occupation and duration of HIV diagnosis independently predicted practice, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion Half of the participating HIV-positive women lacked adequate awareness about cervical cancer prevention and control, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive awareness initiatives tailored to this population. Relevant ministries, health care providers, and advocacy groups must collaborate to implement targeted education programs, utilizing diverse channels like community outreach, health care settings, and media campaigns.