PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION AMONG WOMEN IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of virtually all cervical cancers. Cervical cancer despite being largely preventable is still the leading cause of gynecological cancer related death among females in developing countries. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Human Papilloma Virus infection among women attending selected hospitals in Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria. This study involves the use of questionnaire to obtain data on socio-demographic and risk factors as well as the analysis of high vaginal swab obtained from 208 women. The high vaginal swab samples were analyzed for Human Papilloma Virus antigen using ELISA. Prevalence of 6.23% of Human papilloma virus infection was recorded in this study. Marital status, cigarette smoking, number of Co-wives, use of condom and age at first sex were identified as significant risk factors for Human papilloma virus infection in this study. This study identified a low burden of Human papilloma virus infection in Sokoto, Nigeria.