Cervical Lesions among HIV-Positive Women receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Jos, Nigeria

Introduction: Cervical lesions and HIV are significant public health concerns, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where women face a disproportionate burden of both conditions. Despite advancements in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), the relationship between HAART and cervical lesion progression remains unclear, especially in resource-limited settings. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of cervical lesions among HIV-positive women on HAART. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional design was used, recruiting 351 HIV-positive women from the APIN clinic and 162 HIV-negative women from the gynecological clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Smears were collected, stained using Papanicolaou staining method, and examined for premalignant lesions. Result: Our data revealed a 16.1 prevalence of cervical lesions among HIV-positive women on HAART, with no significant difference compared to those not on HAART (6.2, p0.484). However, women on second and third-line HAART exhibited higher lesion severity (23.1 ASC-US, 7.7 ASC-H) compared to those on first-line therapy (88.2 negative results, p0.044). Behavioral factors, such as multiple sexual partners, were significantly associated with lesion prevalence (p0.013). Awareness of cervical screening was high (93.7), but utilization did not significantly reduce lesion prevalence. Conclusion: The findings underscore the complex interplay between HIV, HAART, and cervical lesions, highlighting the need for integrated care models that combine HIV management with regular cervical screening.