DETERMINANTS OF PRECANCEROUS CERVICAL LESIONS AMONG WOMEN SCREENED FOR CERVICAL CANCER IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2024. CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Back ground: - Cervical cancer is a common health problem in sub-Saharan countries, mainly in Ethiopia, where a significant number of women are diagnosed, and pre-cancerous lesions are being detected at a late stage, leading to high mortality. The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions has increased dramatically in Ethiopia (from 7% to 28%), with some regions showing even higher rates. However, the determinants contributing to this rise remain unstudied in Tigray, especially in a case-control study design. Objective: To assess determinants of precancerous cervical lesions among women screened for cervical cancer in public hospitals of Tigray, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: This study employed a case-control design among (112 cases and 336controls) from August 1 to October 30/2024. Cases and controls were selected by systematic random sampling method and data was collected via a structured questionnaire then data were entered to Epi Data version 4.7 then exported to statistical package for social sciences, p value less than 0.2 in bivariate analysis were included multivariable logistic regression with 95% confidence interval. Finaly p value <0.05 were decided as determinates of precancerous cervical lesions. Result: - Women with a secondary school (AOR=0.044; 95% CI: 0.018-0.107), diploma and above of the women (AOR=0.008; 95% CI: 0.002-0.028), women with two or more life time sexual partners (AOR=9.001, 95% CI: 4.221-19.193), history of STIs, (AOR=3.433, 95% CI: 1.600-7.364) and ever use of hormonal contraceptives (AOR=2.340, 95% CI: 1.220-4.487) were found to be determinates of precancerous cervical lesions. Conclusion and Recommendation: Having two or more lifetime sexual partners, education status of women secondary, diploma, and above, ever use of hormonal contraceptives, and having history of sexual transmission infections were identified as determinants of precancerous cervical lesions. Therefore, efforts should be made to reduce the risk of sexual transmission infections, provide health education and strengthening education for those no formal education women, educate about faithful, one to one relationship, and promote early screening for cervical cancer in women who have ever use hormonal contraceptives.