A comprehensive assessment of cervical cancer risk factors, screening modalities, and cytological outcomes.
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OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors, awareness, screening practices and cytological outcomes related to cervical cancer. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2023 at a private school in Karachi after approval form the ethics review board of Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, and comprised children aged 6-12 years from grades 1-6. Data was collected from the parents of the enrolled children using a pilot-tested structured questionnaire. This was followed by oral examination of the children. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Among the 90 female subjects with 28.6 ± 7.4 years early childbirth 69(76.7%), multiparity 57(63.3%) and recurrent cervicovaginal infections 79(87.8%) were the most common factors. No subject was familiar with the human papillomavirus, and none had ever undergone a Papanicolaou test. Cytological analysis showed inflammation in 65(72.2%) cases, and atypical findings in 23(25.6%). Additional findings included infections, such as Escherichia coli 17(18.9%) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 10(11.1%), with 29(32.2%) participants testing positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. CONCLUSION: The level of awareness regarding cervical cancer and screening practices was alarmingly low, underscoring the need for structured cervical cancer screening and education programmes in Pakistan.