HIV infection and pre-cancerous cervical lesions in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer is potentially preventable and an 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. In this paper, we aim to

determine the impact of HIV status on pre-cancerous cervical lesions (PCCL).

Methods

Using a systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the literature for

studies evaluating the relationship between HIV status and pre-cancerous

cervical lesions. Data were summarized using fixed effect models.

Results

Nine out of 360 records identified through database searching met our inclusion

criteria. The pooled odds ratios for pre-cancerous cervical lesions, 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 HIV positive status has a marked effect on PCCL and the risk of PCCL.

Government and other stakeholders should give patients living with HIV high priority for cervical cancer screening.