Integrating cervical cancer and genital tract infection screening into mother, child health and family planning clinics in Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Visual inspection, with acetic acid (VIA) and with Lugol’s iodine (VILI), has been demonstrated to have test characteristics comparable to those of Pap smear but are more affordable and easier implement. It also presents an opportunity for management of female genital tract infection. Objectives: Pilot test integration of cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with genital tract infection identification into an existing MCH-FP in MTRH. Methods: Cross sectional, descriptive study in which consecutive women were screened for genital tract inflammatory morbidity and cervical cancer through visual inspection. Results: Two hundred and nineteen women with a mean age of 31.3years, parity of 3.1 were screened. About 54% of study participants had multiple sex partners, 62% had sexual debut earlier than 20 years, while use of tobacco was reported by 4%. The test positivity rate was 13.9% and 16.9% for VIA and VILI respectively. Positive test finding was significantly related to contraceptive never-use after controlling for previous screening (p=0.006).Symptoms of genital tract infections were reported by 38% of the participants with features of cervicitis being reported by nearly 24%. Conclusion: Integration of cervical cancer screening and genital tract infection identification and treatment into the existing MCH-FP appears feasible.