Author Affiliations
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) among women attending Mbagathi County Referral Hospital (MCRH). A retrospective study design was employed to analyze data from February to April 2022. A total of 127 women were included in the study. Cervical samples were collected and tested for HPV using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The overall prevalence of HPV infection was found to be 17.32%, with the highest prevalence observed in the age group of 21-30 years. The most prevalent HPV strain detected was HPV-25, followed by HPV-32. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness, early screening, and vaccination programs to prevent HPV-related diseases in the target population.
Keywords
Polymerase chain reaction, Human papillomavirus, Prevalence, Deoxyribonucleic acid, Distribution.
Introduction
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health problems, including cervical cancer. While previous studies have investigated HPV prevalence in different populations, there is a need for more specific data on the prevalence and distribution of HPV strains in the MCRH.[1] This study aims to address this gap by determining the prevalence of HPV infection among women attending the hospital.
Methodology
Study design: A retrospective study design was employed to analyze data from February to April 2022.
Study population: The study population consisted of women attending MCRH for HPV screening.
Sampling technique: A simple random sampling technique was used to select 127 participants from a pool of 1001 patients.
Sample collection: Cervical samples were collected using cytobrushes and stored in appropriate transport medium.
Laboratory analysis: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from the samples, and HPV DNA was detected using a PCR-based assay.
Data analysis: Data was analyzed using statistical software to determine the prevalence of HPV infection and the distribution of different HPV strains.
Ethical considerations: Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authorities, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Results
- Prevalence: The overall prevalence of HPV infection was found to be 17.32%.
- Age distribution: The highest prevalence was observed in the age group of 21-30 years.
- HPV strain distribution: HPV-25 was the most prevalent strain, followed by HPV-32.
Discussion
The findings of this study are consistent with previous studies that have reported a high prevalence of HPV infection in various populations.[1] The identification of HPV-25 as the most prevalent strain is noteworthy, as it is associated with a rare but severe skin condition called epidermodysplasia verruciformis.
The high prevalence of HPV infection highlights the need for increased awareness, early screening, and vaccination programs to prevent HPV-related diseases. Future studies should explore the factors associated with HPV infection, such as sexual behavior and socioeconomic status, to develop targeted prevention strategies.
Limitations:
- The retrospective study design may have limitations in terms of data quality and completeness.
- The sample size may not be representative of the entire population of women attending the hospital.
Conclusion
This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of HPV infection among women attending MCRH. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention strategies to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases. Further research is needed to explore the factors associated with HPV infection and to develop targeted interventions.
References
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Acknowledgments
Acknowledgment of the supervisor, Dr. Rosevalentine Bosire, the Technical University of Kenya, and all study participants.
Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Author Information
Corresponding Author:
Boniface Malandi Kioko
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
The Technical University of Kenya, Kenya
Email: bonifacemalandikioko@gmail.com
Co-Author:
Rose Valentine Bosire
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
The Technical University of Kenya, Kenya
Authors Contributions
All authors contributed to the conceptualization, investigation, and data curation by acquiring and critically reviewing the selected articles. They were collectively involved in the writing – original draft preparation, and writing – review & editing to refine the manuscript. Additionally, all authors participated in the supervision of the work, ensuring accuracy and completeness. The final manuscript was approved by all named authors for submission to the journal.
Ethical Approval
Ethical approval was granted by the institutional review board at the Technical University of Kenya. All participants provided informed consent.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The author declares no conflict of interest.
Guarantor
None
DOI
Cite this Article
Boniface MK, Rose VB. Prevalence of human papilloma virus among women attending Mbagathi County Referral Hospital. medtigo J Med. 2024;2(4):e30622460. doi:10.63096/medtigo30622460 Crossref
