Characterization of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes and their Correlates Among Women Living with HIV Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic in Mukono, Uganda

Abstract

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a prevalent infection transmitted sexually worldwide. Studies have revealed a higher prevalence for HPV infection amongst HIV positive women. It is important to screen for HPV so that women found positive receive early treatment to prevent development of cancer for cervix. The broad objective of the research is to determine types, occurrence plus associated correlates of HPV infection by genotyping HPV among a group of WLHIV attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in Mukono, Uganda. Methods: This cross sectional study involved collecting data for socio-demographic, sexual practices and medical history factors associated with HPV genotypes from a sample of 342 WLHIV. The HPV genotypes results were obtained retrospectively from the respective laboratory records. Epidata v4.6 was used for data entry and STATA V14 used for analysis. Analysis for the correlates of hr-HPV infection was done using modified poisson regression model. Results: Slightly more than a half (56.7%) of the participants were aged below 35 years, married (52.6%), and with primary level of education (51.2%). The prevalence of hr-HPV was 39.8% (CI: 34.40- 44.78) with HPV16, HPV 18/45 and other hr-HPV types being positive in 23(6.7%), 21(6.1%) and 110(32.2%) respectively. Additionally, 17(12.5%) were infected with multiple hr-HPV genotype infections. The hr-HPV was higher among 30-34 years of age (n= 41, 30.2%) than 45-49 years (n=16, 11.8%). In terms of associated correlates, age 45-49 years (adjPR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.41- 2.69), being married (adjPR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.69), condom use (adjPR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00 -1.71) and age of sexual debut (adjPR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.08-1.87) were significantly related with HPV genotypes. Conclusion and Recommendations: High-risk HPV infection prevalence was high, indicative of a risk to the health of WLHIV. Being aged 45-49 years, married, using condoms, age of sexual debut are the key correlates of hr-PHV. It is recommended that the implementing teams should educate the public on the key correlates to hr-HPV infection, emphasizing on the need for screening and treatment in this population.