Prevalence of human papilloma virus among adolescents at Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
Background:Genital HPV infection is among the most common sexually transmitted
disease worldwide. A clear causal relationship has been established between human
papilloma virus (HPV) infection and the development of cervical cancer. HPV types
16and 18 are implicated in over 70%of cancer of the cervix. Peer pressure among
adolescents leads them to high risk sexual behaviors such as early sexual debut,
unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners. These risky sexual behaviors among
adolescents predispose them to HPV infection.
There is lack of concrete findings of prevalence and distribution of HPV types in
Kenya.Some studies have demonstrated limited knowledge on the availability of
HPV vaccine and negative attitude towards HPV vaccination by parents. This
research will add to the existing knowledge by establishing HPV prevalence by
types as well as knowledge gaps of HPV transmission and prevention among
adolescents. Findings will inform decision makers about magnitude of HPV
infection and effective strategies of preventing new HPV infections particularly
scale up of HPV vaccination.
Main objective: To determine by DNA typing the prevalence of HPV infection
among adolescent girls at Kenyatta National Hospital - Youth Clinic.
Methodology: This was a Cross Sectional Study carried out at Kenyatta National
Hospital Youth clinic among a random sample of adolescent girls between 12-26
years between December 2009 and October 2010. Self-administered questionnaire
was used. Cervical swab was taken from each respondent enrolled in the study.
HPV-DNA was analyzed using PCR and type specific genotypes were isolated
by Slit blot hybridization. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 17
(SPSS,Chikago).
Results: A total of 264 female participants who met the eligibility criteria were
enrolled into the study. The prevalence of cervical HPV infection was 9.8%.Of
the study participants 72% (n=184) had knowledge of HPV and majority of
respondents had knowledge that HPV is sexually transmitted. Majority (88%)of
the study participants believed that HPV infection may lead to cancer of the
cervix.Association between sexual behavior and HPV status was not statistically
different between study participants who were HPV negative and HPV positive.
There was no statistical significant association between HPV infection and
coexistence of other sexually transmitted infections. Over 89% of participants
who were HPV negative believed that condoms playa key role in reducing HPV
transmission.
Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV among adolescent being cared for at
Kenyatta National Hospital was (9.8%).Of the participants who were HPV DNA
positive, 27% had co infection with type 18 and 66. This study has implication
for HPV vaccination in Kenyan population in the prevention of cervical cancer.