WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Israa Ihsan Ali*, Besmah M. Ali and Najim Al-Khalidy

ABSTRACT

Background: cervical cancer is ranked the fourth common cancer among women, low- and middle-income countries account for 90% of cervical cancer mortality. It is the second largest cause of death for women in the Caribbean, three times higher than in North America and anticipated to rise 45% by 2030. This study analyzed the correlation between HPV type and Papanicolaou (Pap)-stained cervical smear cytological findings in the uterine cervix. Method: The study conducted at Al-Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital analyzed the correlation between HPV infection and Pap smear results in symptomatic women. Participants underwent HPV typing and cytological examination using the Papanicolaou method. Statistical analysis assessed associations between HPV status and cytological findings. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured, ensuring participant confidentiality. Results: The study population comprised mostly women aged 30-49 years, all married and primarily housewives. Pap smear results indicated 54% NILM, 30% ASCUS, and 16% LISL, with no significant difference in HPV positivity across these categories. HPV infection was detected in 20% of participants. These findings suggest the necessity for comprehensive cervical cancer screening, integrating both Pap smear and HPV testing, to effectively identify at-risk women. Conclusion: In the study, most symptomatic women at Al-Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital were 30-49 years old, married, housewives with high parity. Pap smear findings indicated 54% NILM, 30% ASCUS, and 16% LISL with no significant HPV positive difference. 20% of subjects had HPV, suggesting a low prevalence. The findings emphasise the need for comprehensive cervical cancer screening programmes that include cytological and HPV testing to identify and manage at-risk women. Similar findings show the necessity for focused screening in symptomatic patients.