Magnitude of cervical lesions and its associated factors using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) at a Referral Hospital in Ethiopia

Background: The aim of this study was to provide the prevalence of VIA positive cervical lesions and its associated factors among women visiting gynecology department of Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH). Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to June 2017 on 428 women at FHRH. Relevant sociology-demographic data were collected by using structured questioner. Women who visited the hospital gynecology department were recruited VIA using 5% acetic acid as per cervical cancer prevention guideline for low-resource settings. Data was entered, cleaned and analysed using Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v23. Result:  Most of the participants at 270 (63.1%), 296 (69.2%), 379 (88.6%), 247 (57.7%) and 194 (45.3%) were from urban settings, married, fertile (gave birth), used long term contraceptive and HIV positive, respectively.  Similarly, the majority at 242 (56.5%) were in the age group of 39-49 years with the median age at 35.0 years (ranged: 17-60). The prevalence of VIA positive lesions were at 61(14.3%; 95%CI: 11.3-17.9) of which some 23% (14/61) were suspicious for cancer. Among VIA positive participants, 75.4% (46/61) were eligible for cryotherapy and got the treatment in the screening centre. The odds of having VIA positive result was lowered by 24% among women who engaged in private business than government employees [AOR: 0.24, 95%CI (0.07-0.85)]. Conclusion: The observed prevalence of VIA positive result calls stakeholders to strengthen cervical cancer prevention strategies in the study area.