Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Syphilis have continued a significant public health problem, especially in areas with substandard infection prevention and control programs. It is known that STIs are largely associated with the increased occurrence of cervical cancer. To date, little is known about the burden of STIs among cervical cancer suspected women in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES: To assess the seroprevalence of STIs and associated risk factors among cervical cancer suspected women with special emphasis on HIV, HBV, HCV, and Syphilis. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among cervical cancer suspected women at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from February to April 2017. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data on patients' characteristics. The patient's serum or plasma samples were tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In all aspects, the standard operational procedure was strictly followed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software and presented using tables. Statistical associations were measured using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: A total of 403 cervical cancer suspected women with the mean age of 42.54 (SD + 11. 24) years were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence of STIs was 16.6% (67/403) and the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis was 36/403 (8.9%), 10/403 (2.5%), 4/403 (1%), and 29/403 (7.2%) respectively. History of multiple sexual partners (Adjusted OR = 3.02, 95%CI 1.57-5.79, P = 0.001), alcohol addiction (Adjusted OR = 2.2, 95%CI 1.07-4.5, P = 0.031), history of STI (Adjusted OR = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.76-6.47, P = 0.00) and not use of condom (Adjusted OR = 4.99; 95% CI: 1.5-16.16, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with STIs. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of STIs was generally higher among cervical cancer suspected patients. Health education is encouraged to promote awareness about the prevention of STIs.