HIV Infection and Pre-Cancerous Cervical Lesion in Ethiopia: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Kaleab Tesfaye Tegegne, Abiyu Ayalew Assefa, Eleni Tesfaye Tegegne, Mekibib Kassa Tessema, Getnet Tafese, Geleta Abera Gemeda and Seblewongel Megersa

Background: Cervical cancer is potentially preventable and important health issue for women around the world. In 2010, it was estimated that 20.9 million women were at risk of developing cervical cancer in Ethiopia with an estimated 4,648 and 3,235 annual numbers of new cases and deaths, respectively. We aimed to determine the impact of HIV status on pre-cancerous cervical lesions.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis Methods: We searched the literature for studies evaluating relation between HIV status and pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Data on HIV status and pre-cancerous cervical lesions were summarized using fixed effect models.

Results: Overall, 9 of 360 records identified through database searching met inclusion criteria. The pooled odds ratios for pre-cancerous cervical lesion comparing Women who are HIV positive versus Women who are HIV negative was OR 1.75 (95% CI: 1.40, 2.18), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that being HIV positive has a marked effect on PCCL and the risk of PCCL. Government and other stakeholders should give high priority in early screening of cervical cancer for patients living with HIV.

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