Investigating the effects of visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy methods on human papillomavirus infected patients at Katutura and central hospitals, Namibia.
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Date
2021-11
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Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) infests the cells of the cervix and causes cervical cancer. With an estimated 530 000 new cases per year, it is the third most frequent malignancy among women globally. In Namibia, 135 people died because of the disease in 2018. Cervical cancer is a public health issue in developing nations with significant social and economic consequences. In Human Papilloma Virus (HIV) positive women, HPV infection and persistence, as well as cervical precancerous lesions and malignancy, are more common. The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a cervical cancer-screening test that looks for both precancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix. Visual examination with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy are becoming the favoured techniques for early identification of cervical cancer in developing nations. The Pap smear is a cervical cancer-screening test that examines the cervix and colon for precancerous and cancerous abnormalities. In Namibia, VIA and cryotherapy are rapidly replacing Pap smears. To date, however, the scale and impact of the use of these methods have not yet been investigated in Namibia. The aim of the study was to investigate how the use of VIA and Cryotherapy has impacted HPV-infected patients.
Women in reproductive age group (20-49 years) visiting two Namibian hospitals (Katutura and Central Hospital) were investigated using a cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted using a mixed methodological approach.
The Statistical Software Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse information gathered through questionnaires; while data received through interviews was analysed by coding and creating themes.
The study highlighted the experiences of women who underwent VIA and Cryotherapy methods. The 250 women that participated in the study ranged from 25-50 years of age. One hundred and seventy-eight patients (71.2%) were in the 40-49-year-old age group.
Most of the participants were from the Havana area. The great majority 188 (75.2%) were Oshiwambo speaking and 155 (62%) were single. In the study, 139 (55.6%) women were HIV positive and the remaining 111 (44.4 %) were HIV negative. Fifty-six (22.4%) patients were using family planning by injection. In this study 53, 46, 204, 135, & 158 children were respectively given birth by women of 25 to 30, 31 to 35, 36 to 40, 41 to 45, 46 to 50 aged groups. The 36-50 age
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groups have more kids. The majority of women 151 (60.4%) with HPV infection who participated in the study have more than 3 children.
Interestingly, there was an association between para gravida and HPV infection among the women who took part in the study.
A family history of cancer was mentioned by up to 27.6% of the individuals. Ninety-nine (39.6%) received a Pap smear procedure with negative result in the past. Out of the 250 women, 132 (52.8%) received cryotherapy while 19 (7.6%) women had colposcopy treatments respectively.
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Keywords
Human papillomavirus, Cervical cancer, Antiretroviral therapy, Katutura hospital - Windhoek, Central hospital - Windhoek
Citation
Mbadhi, A. N. (2021). Investigating the effects of visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy methods on human papillomavirus infected patients at Katutura and central hospitals, Namibia. (Unpublished master's thesis). Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek.