The role of co-infections and hormonal contraceptives in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia prevalence among women referred to a tertiary hospital in Western Kenya

Co-infections with HIV, HSV-2 or Chlamydia trachomatis and use of HIUD were associated with increased risk of testing positive for CIN in HPV positive women. Although the overall prevalence of CIN was high, high-grade CIN2 + was comparable to the rates reported earlier. Therefore, population screening for co-infections alongside hr-HPV is desirable and is likely to reduce the burden of CIN in the region. Besides, women positive for hr-HPV and opting for contraceptives ought to be counseled about the possible positive and negative side-effects of different contraception options.