Prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes and associated factors among women living with HIV in Uganda: A facility-based cross-sectional study

Background: Women living with HIV are at risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer worldwide. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that testing for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection be incorporated into cervical cancer screening programs using molecular nucleic acid tests (NATs) but this has not previously been done in Uganda. The country’s coverage for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening remains low at less than 10% for women aged 25 - 49 years. This study determined the prevalence and associated factors of high-risk Human Papilloma Virus genotypes among women living with HIV in Uganda. Methods: : A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 selected health facilities among participants who were on Antiretroviral therapy (ART). Participants who consented to participate were instructed on how to collect their own high vaginal swabs using a cervical brush for HPV molecular testing (HPV DNA or HPV RNA) and their demographics data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Laboratory diagnosis for HPV molecular testing was done using Gene xpert machines and Hologic Aptima Machine. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors. Results: : This study involved 5856 HIV positive participants on ART. A total of 2006 out of 5856 (34.3%) participants had high risk HPV genotypes. The prevalence of the individual genotypes were: HPV16 317(15.8%), HPV 18-45 308 (15.4%) and other high-risk HPV 1381 (68.8%). The independent factors associated with all hrHPV, and the individual genotypes (16, 18=45 and other hrHPV) were parity, education level, having more than one partner, and engaging in early sex. Smoking was associated with HPV 16, HPV 18-45 and other hrHPV. Age was associated with all hrHPV and HPV 18-45, marital status with all hrHPV and HPV 16, and occupation with HPV 16. Conclusions: . The prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes among HIV positive women attending ART clinics in public facilities in Uganda was high. Other hrHPV genotype was the commonest compared to 18-45 and HPV 16. The integration of cervical cancer screening in ART programmes remains paramount to support the early detection of cervical cancer and Non-invasive self-collected urine and vaginal sampling for cervical cancer screening present an opportunity.