Assessment of Human Papillomavirus Infection, Knowledge and Attitude among Women Infected with HIV in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a debilitating sexually transmitted infection. Global in occurrence but common in developing countries. This study investigated the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-positive women attending gynaecological appointments at Minna General Hospital in Niger State, Nigeria and assessed their knowledge of HPV and attitudes toward HPV screening. The research involved 162 eligible participants who underwent HPV testing. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and gynaecological examinations were conducted to obtain cervical cell samples, which were then processed and subjected to HPV testing using the Riatol quantitative PCR HPV genotyping test. The study revealed that 74% of the participants tested positive for HPV, with 41% having high-risk HPV (HrHPV) and 33% low-risk HPV (LrHPV). Despite elevated risk status, participants exhibited limited knowledge about HPV, with only 4% being aware of its link to cervical cancer, and 5% knowing about HPV vaccines. Encouragingly, 60% of participants had undergone HPV screening in the past five years, and 75% expressed willingness to undergo routine HPV screening if they were to collect the samples themselves (self-sampling). for HPV screening. The high prevalence of HPV, particularly the high-risk types, underscored the significance of HPV screening among HIV-positive women. However, participants showed a strong commitment to proactive healthcare behaviours. Collaborations with healthcare professionals and media outlets are recommended to enhance public awareness of HPV and its association with cervical cancer, ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases among this population