Pattern and uptake of pap smear at federal university of health sciences teaching hospital Azare, north-east, Nigeria: a retrospective study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44 years old. Effective screening measure ensures early detection of premalignant lesion, prompt treatment and prevention of cervical cancer. Pap smear screenings have been associated with a 60% reduction in cervical cancer rates for women over the age of 40 years. However, the uptake of cervical cancer screening has been un-coordinated, erratic, and mostly opportunistic in low resource countries like Nigeria. This is more so, in Northeastern part of the country where healthcare system has been disrupted by years of insurgency. Objective: The study was conducted to determine the post insurgency pattern and uptake of Pap smear in FUHSTHA, Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria. Methodology: A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 77 women that attended the reproductive health clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology department from January 2020 to December 2022. A total number of 4,458 patients clients attended RHC during the period and 1,364 (79.2%) of the folders were retrieved and reviewed. Only 77 clients who had Pap smear and their results documented were included in the study. Results: The study revealed Pap smear uptake of 2.1% with the uptake of Pap smear over the 3-year period almost double the preceding year. The prevalence of pre-invasive cervical lesions was 9.1% of which AGCUS was 1.3%, ASCUS 3.9%, LGSIL 2.6% and HGSIL 1.3%. Most of the clients were referred (82%), and 41.6% of the women were between 50 – 59 years. Indication for the test was routine screening 51.9%, vaginal bleeding 29.9%, and persistent vaginal discharge 18.2%. Majority (96.1%) were immune-competent while 3.9% were immune compromised at presentation. The predictors independently associated with abnormal cytology were lack of formal education (AOR = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.14–11.38; p = 0.029); early age (< 19 years) at first marriage (AOR = 4.23; 95% CI: 1.30–13.78; p = 0.017); and early age (< 20 years) at first pregnancy (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.03–9.34; p = 0.044). Conclusion: Pap smear uptake was low with significant pre-invasive cervical lesions. Strengthening awareness, integrating screening into routine care, improving access to screening, and implementing supportive policies are essential to increase pap smear uptake and reduce burden of the cancer of the cervix.
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220105014
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