Background: The presence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most important causes of Cervical PreCancerous Lesions. The purpose of this study was to identify the numerous levels of determinants of progressive HPV Infection leading to Cervical Pre-Cancer in Women in Cameroon.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Methods used were: molecular, cytological, immunological and socio-environmental analysis. statisticals analysis were performed by Graph Pad Prysm et SPSS to identify OR and RR.
Results: HPV persistence was positively correlated to early sexual debut (age < 15 years) (OR = 2.3 - 3.6), number of sexual partners (≥ 4 sexual partners) (OR = 2.1) and using an oral pill (OR = 3.7) or intrauterine contraceptive device (OR = 6.4). Women who smoked had higher HPV detection rates (> 14%) compared to non-smokers (OR = 1.6). Women < 25 years of age also were approximately 25% of the population which possessed high-risk HPV type(s) (OR = 1.9). Genotypic analysis revealed large variation with the existence of both high-risk and low-risk HPV coinfections in nearly 75% of precancerous lesions found in some series. Some correlations between with Candida albicans and Herpes Simplex Virus were observed with HPV persistence. Approximately 78.6% of HPV screenings were completed within the general population studied. Despite having low rates of HPV screening, residents of rural areas had a decreased chance of being screened (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55) whereas, individuals with social health insurance were more likely to receive HPV screening (OR = 2.3). Very few health care providers appear to be adequately equipped to offer HPV screening (less than 10%).
Conclusion: The continued prevalence of HPV among Cameroonians and the progression to precancerous cervical lesions is due to various factors: behavioural risk-taking behaviours, biological characteristics and multiple infections or co-infection, along with extant social and environmental factors.