Evaluation of Immunosuppressive Status Among HIV‐Positive Women With Cervical Cancer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi

ABSTRACT Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive women face a six‐fold increased risk of developing cervical cancer and a three‐fold higher mortality rate. However, limited data from Malawi exist on how cervical cancer affects HIV viral load and CD4 count both of which contribute to increased mortality. This study aimed to assess the immunosuppressive status of HIV‐positive women diagnosed with cervical cancer and to explore associations between HIV viral load, CD4 count, and factors such as age, cancer stage, socio‐economic status, and education level. Methods Medical records of 87 HIV‐positive women diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Data collected included age, socio‐economic status, education level, cancer stage, CD4 count, and HIV viral load. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA and Microsoft Excel. Results Among the 87 women, 57.5% ( n = 50) had an HIV viral load of < 200 copies/mL, while 42.5% ( n = 37) had ≥ 200 copies/mL. Regarding the CD4 count, 70.1% ( n = 61) had ≥ 200 cells/µL and 29.9% ( n = 26) had < 200 cells/µL. Age, cancer stage, and socio‐economic status were significantly associated with HIV viral load and CD4 count ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Cervical cancer appears to have minimal impact on immune status or HIV viral load in HIV‐positive women. We recommend scaling up cervical cancer screening and incorporating self‐sampling methods to enhance early detection and improve access to care.