Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection of the Uterine Cervix Among Women in Adama, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection worldwide affecting at least 50% of sexually-active individuals at some point during their life. The world-wide prevalence among women is 11.7%, and the highest prevalence was in sub-Saharan Africa 24%. Persistent human papillomavirus infection with high-risk genotypes is now a well-established cause of cervical cancer (CC) and it was demonstrated that they were present in 99.7% of CC cases worldwide. The main purpose of the study was to determine the epidemiology of HPV infection of the uterine cervix among women in Adama, Ethiopia. Method An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 women in Adama, Ethiopia, from March-June 2023. A systematic sampling technique was employed to collect data using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-info 7 and analysed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression for bivariate and multivariate analyses with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs were used to identify factors associated with HPV infection. The level of significance was defined as a p value < 0.05. Results The prevalence of HPV infection was 26.6%. The proportions of the most oncogenic high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes, HPV-16 and HPV-18, were 22.5% and 5.9%, respectively. “Other HR-HPV” genotypes accounted for 63.7%. Being divorced, having postcoital bleeding, having early sexual debut, having multiple sexual partners, having sexually transmitted infections and being HIV-positive were identified as independent factors significantly associated with HR-HPV infection. Conclusion There was a greater prevalence of HPV infection in the study area than worldwide. “Other HR-HPV” genotypes were the major oncogenic HR-HPV genotypes identified. Multiple factors were identified as independent factors significantly associated with HR-HPV infection. Awareness creation campaigns and educational programmes about the prevention of HPV infection and associated risk factors need to be implemented in the community.