Abstract
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Abstract; BackgroundCervical cancer is the second leading type of female cancer in Ethiopia and screening is based on visual inspection with 5% acetic acid (VIA). Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has not yet been used. MethodWomen aged 21-65 years were enrolled. Liquid based cytology and VIA were done for the detection of cervical dysplasia. Logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated. Finally Cohen’s K was done to test agreement between the methods of diagnostics.ResultsFrom the total 448 participants, (296, 66%) were 35-65 years old. Four hundred nineteen (93.5 %) were screened using LBC of which, 97 (23.2%) had low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and 17 (4.1%) had high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Among women with LSIL, 84(86.6%) women as well as all those HSIL were 35-65 years old and women aged 35-65 years old had 4.7 times higher odds of having intraepithelial lesions (P=0.00). A total of 294/448 (65.6%) women underwent VIA examination, of these 18 (6.1%) were found positive. Two hundred seventy two (60.7%) women screened using both LBC and VIA. Of this 6 (2.2%) were positive with both LBC and VIA screening tests. The level of agreement between the two methods was weak and statistically significant (kappa value=0.155, p=0.006). ConclusionPrevalence of cervical lesions is higher among older women. There is high variability in LBC and VIA results. Though more expensive and requiring equipment, using LBC where possible would increase cervical cancer case detection.