The Pattern of Cervical Cytology in Women Attending Various Clinics at a Tertiary Hospital in Anambra Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common female reproductive tract malignancies with high morbidity and mortality most especially in the developing countries. Our purpose of this study is to determine the pattern of cervical smear and also to determine the effect of socio-demographic factors on the pattern of cervical cytology among women attending gynaecological clinic in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra state, in South East Nigeria from December 2007–July 2008. Result: Ninety six (68.6%) of the women had normal cervical smear while forty one (29.3%) had abnormal cervical smear. The proportion of unsatisfactory smear was 2.1%. The number and rates of abnormal cervical smear was further sub-classified as LSIL (25 cases, 17.9%), HSIL (12 cases, 8.6%), ASC-US (3 cases, 2.1%) and glandular intraepithelial lesion (1 case, 0.7%). No case of squamous cell carcinoma was detected. Conclusion: The study shows that various patterns of abnormal cytology were found among our women and the prevalence of this abnormal smear is high. these findings underscore the need for massive and sustained reproductive health education and establishment of cervical cancer screening centres.