Abstract:
Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem in developing world. It is
caused by a progression of precancerous lesions of the cervix. Investigating the prevalence and
determinants of the precancerous lesions of the cervix among women helps to take an action like
vaccination programs, improving screening coverage, and close management and follow-up
which could decrease the morbidity and mortality caused by cervical cancer. There is a paucity
of research findings on the magnitude of precancerous cervical lesions and associated factors
among adult women in eastern Ethiopia in general, and in the study area in particular.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of precancerous cervical lesions
and associated factors among women aged 25 to 49 years, who came for getting services at
cervical Cancer screening center in Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital,
Eastern Ethiopia, from September 1 to December 1, 2023.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to December
1, 2023 among 223 sequentially selected women. Structured face-to-face interviews questioners
were used to collect information on precancerous cervical lesion screening. Visual inspection
with acetic acid method was used to screen women for precancerous cervical lesions. The
collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for further
analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the association
between precancerous cervical lesions and predictor variables and statistical significance was
declared at a p-value of <0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions was 22.9% (95%CI = 17–
28.3%). In the final model of multivariable analysis predictors such: ever given birth
[AOR=3.901, 95%CI(1.192, 12.773)], irregular menses [AOR = 6.34: 95% CI( 2.507, 16.031)],
having two and more lifetime sexual partners [AOR= 4.012, 95% CI(1.527-10.546)], history of
cigarette smoking [AOR = 3.015: 95% CI(1.254, 7.245) and human immunodeficiency virus
positive serostatus [AOR = 2.78, 95% CI(1.199, 6.453)] were independently associated with the
precancerous cervical lesion.
Conclusion: In this study, nearly one-fourth of women had precancerous cervical lesions. Giving
birth, menstrual irregularity, having two or more lifetime sexual partners, being a passive or
active smoker, and being positive for human immunodeficiency virus were independently
associated with precancerous cervical lesions. Thus, the Harari Regional Health Bureau and
other stakeholders should focus on the primary prevention methods like public awareness
creation on cessation of smoking and avoidance of sexual engagement with more than one
partner
