Case records and long commentaries in obstetrics and gynaecology

Abstract

810 subjects were recruited into this study at the MOPC during the study period. The 810 subjects in the study had a mean age of 38.6 and a range of 16-77 years. A the study subjects had information on gynaecological symptoms sought and pelvic examination performed and pap smears taken. The most common gynaecological symptom found was lower abdominal pain while the most common gynaecological disorder at pelvic examination were cervical ectropion, uterine fibroid and adnexal masses. There were 797 pap smear reports available. 'Of these 786 were normal and 11 were abnormal. The prevalence rate of abnormal smears was 1.4% (14 per thousand). The peak prevalence rate of abnormal smear was found to be within the 25 - 34 years age group. Age was found to be statistically significantly related with prevalence rate of abnormal pap smear (p < 0.05). Though, a strong relationship between knowledge of pap smear test and knowledge of carcinoma was found (OR = 18.69) CI 2.79-365) RR = 10.87 (CI 2.37 - 49.94), this was not followed by corresponding higher practice of having regular pap smear taken. Thepresence of Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) seen cytologically was 11.7%, 2.8%, 0.4%, 0.6% and respectively. Thereis unmet need for pap smear in this population and attempts haveto be made to popularize the practice of having regular pap smear taken and gynaecological examination.