Link Between Female Genital Schistosomiasis and Cervical Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Amy Sturt, Tanvier Omar, Ian Hansingo, Paul Kamfwa, Amaya Bustinduy, Helen Kelly
Primary Institution: Stanford University
Hypothesis
Is there an association between female genital schistosomiasis and the prevalence of human papillomavirus and cervical pre-cancer?
Conclusion
The study found limited and low-quality data on the association between female genital schistosomiasis and human papillomavirus, cervical pre-cancer, and cervical cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Five studies were cross-sectional and one was prospective.
- One study reported an increased risk of HR-HPV prevalence in women with composite-FGS.
- Another study reported an increased odds of any HPV prevalence among women with visual-FGS.
- One study found an association between molecular-FGS and VIA abnormalities.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a type of infection called female genital schistosomiasis could lead to higher chances of getting HPV or cervical cancer, but the results were unclear.
Methodology
The study involved a systematic review of existing literature, assessing the association of female genital schistosomiasis with HPV and cervical pre-cancer.
Potential Biases
There were risks of bias due to the heterogeneity in study designs and diagnostic methods used.
Limitations
The studies included were of low to moderate quality, with variations in diagnostic methods and small sample sizes.
Participant Demographics
Participants were women living in sub-Saharan Africa, with a median age ranging from 19 to 32 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1 – 3.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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