Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Swab Samples from Women Attending Gynaecology Clinic, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary aetiological agent of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Nigerian women, making its prevalence characterisation in clinical populations essential for screening and vaccination programme planning. This study determines the prevalence of HPV in cervical swab samples from women attending the gynaecology clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. Cervical swab samples were collected from 100 sexually active women aged 18 to 55 years with informed consent. HPV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction using consensus primers, and positive samples were typed using type-specific PCR for HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45. Sociodemographic and risk factor data were obtained by questionnaire. Overall HPV prevalence was 29 percent. HPV 16 was the most prevalent type (35 percent of positive samples), followed by HPV 18 (27 percent) and HPV 31 (15 percent). High-risk HPV types accounted for 88 percent of all positive cases. Significant associations were found between HPV positivity and early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and long-term oral contraceptive use. HPV prevalence was highest in the 25 to 34 age group. The study recommends integration of HPV typing into cervical cancer screening at UUTH, targeted HPV vaccination campaigns for adolescent girls in Akwa Ibom, and provider sensitisation on risk-based screening. Keywords: HPV, cervical cancer, prevalence, Akwa Ibom, PCR