Assessment Of Risk Factors Associated With Cervical Cancer Amongst Women Attendingthe Oncology Centre And Health Facilities In Windhoek, Khomas Region

ABSTRACT

Cervical Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in women worldwide. These deaths are unnecessary, as there is evidence that Cervical Cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early and managed effectively. Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is a well-known cause of Cervical Cancer with HPV genotypes 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of all Cervical Cancer worldwide. However, there are other risk factors. Current estimates indicate that every year 527,624 women are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer and 265,653 die from the disease. In Namibia with a population of around 2.1 million, 632,000 women aged 15 years and above are at risk of developing Cervical Cancer. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with Cervical Cancer among women in Khomas region, Namibia. The researcher conducted an unmatched 1:1 case control study. A sample size of 402; 201 cases of Cervical Cancer and 201 appropriate controls were chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data was analysed using Epi info 7. Bivariate analysis was done using odds ratio to determine association between suspected risk factors and Cervical Cancer. Significant associations at 5% on bivariate analysis was loaded into a logistic regression model to determine predictors of Cervical Cancer. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that after adjusting for HIV status, the following variables were significant risk factors of Cervical Cancer: family history of cancer (AOR:2.55; 95% CI, 1.64-3.95; p = 0.0004), unemployment (AOR: 2.56; 95% CI, 0.26-0.59; p = 0.0001), marital status (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI, 1.25- 2.89;p=0.003), living in rural areas (AOR: 2.77; 95% CI, 1.26-4.21; p= 0.000002), use of contraceptive (AOR: 1.64; 95% CI, 1.08-2.49; p = 0.03), lack of secondary education (AOR: 2.49: 95% CI, 1.50-4.13; p = 0.0005) and not attending Pap smear screening (AOR: 1.92; 95% CI, 0.33-0.82; p = 0.007). These risk factors associated with Cervical Cancer in our environment could be the basis for targeted screening and treatment programme. The introduction of routine HPV vaccination could reduce Cervical Cancer.