Abstract:
Background: Human papillomavirus infection is the most common sexually transmitted
infection. Worldwide, it is 11-12%, and in Ethiopia, the prevalence of Human papillomavirus
infection has ranged from 19.9%-23.3% in women without cervical problems. Persistent high risk Human papillomavirus infection may cause cervical cancer. However, lack of early and
regular testing was identified as one of the major problems among risky populations. Women
living with HIV are highly infected with high-risk Human papillomavirus infections.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with high-risk HPV infection
among women living with HIV who attended ART in West Shoa health facilities, 2024.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women living HIV
who attended ART in West Shoa health facilities from July 15, 2023, to January 30, 2024. A
total of 429 study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. The
data was collected using structured and pretested questionnaires. EpiData version 3.1 for data
entry and SPSS version 20 for data analysis were used. Descriptive statistics were applied to
describe the magnitude of the High risk HPV infection, and bivariate and multivariable logistic
regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with the high-risk HPV
infection. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI was used to measure the strength of the
association, and a p-value of < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Results: A total of 429 study participants were included in the study, yielding a response rate of
97.3%. One hundred fifteen (26.8%) with a 95% CI (22.7% –31.3%) were found to be positive
for high-risk HPV infection. Out of 115, 30 (23.6 %) were HPV type 16, 13 (10.2%) were HPV
type 18, and 84 (66.1%) were other HR-HPV. Participants who had a history of STI (AOR=5.26,
95% CI: 3.02–9.16), low-end line CD4 cell counts (AOR = 5.56, 95% CI: 2.44–12.67), having
more than one sexual partner (AOR = 6.39, 95% CI: 3.44–11.87) and early sexual contact (AOR
= 3.05, 95% CI; 1.72–5.39) were statistically significant associated with HR-HPV infection.
Conclusion: The prevalence of high-risk HPV infection was high among women living with
HIV who attended ART in West Shoa. Early sexual contact, having more than one sexual
partner, a history of STIs, and a low-end line CD4 cell count were significantly associated with
HR-HPV infection. Therefore, the Health professionals and West shoa Health office were
recommended to increase awareness of the primary prevention of HPV infection.
