UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: This study sets out to determine the prevalence and risk factors of cervical dysplasia among female patients presenting at the GOP clinic and to provide evidence to establish a screening facility at the clinic.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between April 2005 and June 2005. Structured questionnaire was administered to 280 consenting women aged 20 - 65 years selected using systematic random sampling technique. Pap smear was done at the GOP clinic and slides were read at the pathology department of the hospital.

Results:The age range of the respondents was 20 - 65 years with mean of 42.5 S.D 11.1 years. Two hundred and thirteen (76%) respondents had abnormal cervical cytology of which 166 (59.3%) had inflammatory smears, 33 (11.8%) had mild dysplasia, 6 (2.1%) had moderate dysplasia and 8 (2.9%) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US).There was significant association between dysplasia and high parity (>5), low educational status and presence of human papillomavirus (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Cervical dysplasia is a problem among women attending the GOP clinic. This underscores the need for provision of screening service at the clinic and effective health education to promote preventive practices and inculcate screening culture among women.