ENHANCING SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LIQUID-BASED CYTOLOGY AND CONVENTIONAL PAP SMEAR AT AHMADU BELLO TEACHING HOSPITAL, NIGERIA.

Lubabatu Abdulrasheed, PhD, Tensaba Andes Akafa, PhD, G. O. Ameh, PhD, Gloria Omonefe Oladele

Abstract


Background

Cervical cancer is one of the cardinal  public health problem of great concern, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Early detection of this disease through effective screening methods is crucial in reducing its’ morbidity and mortality burdens. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of liquid-based cytology (LBC) and conventional Pap smear in detecting cervical intraepithelial lesions among patients at Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).

Methods

A total of 73 patients with abnormal cytology or histology results were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 47.5 years. Demographic information, including education status, was collected to assess the correlation between educational status and awareness of cervical cancer screening. Sensitivity and unsatisfactory result rates for LBC and conventional Pap smear were compared.

Results  

The majority of participants (59.1%) had tertiary education, indicating a correlation between education level and awareness of cervical cancer screening. Over 50% of patients were unaware of Pap smear screenings, potentially contributing to delayed diagnoses. The sensitivity of LBC was found to be 100% for both squamous and glandular lesions, compared to 71.9% for conventional Pap smear. The rates of unsatisfactory results were lower in the LBC group (1.7%) compared to conventional Pap smear (4.3%). High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) were detected in 71.9% of LBC cases and 64.3% of conventional Pap smear cases.

Conclusion

Liquid-based cytology demonstrated superior sensitivity and accuracy in detecting cervical intraepithelial lesions compared to conventional Pap smear. Based on these findings, it is recommended that LBC be adopted as the primary screening method for cervical cancer. Additionally, there is a need for increased awareness and education regarding cervical cancer screening among the general population. Future prospective studies are essential to validate these findings and enhance cervical cancer prevention strategies.


Keywords


Cervical Cancer, Liquid-Based Cytology, Pap Smear, Screening, Public Health

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