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. 2017 Sep;62(7):755-762.
doi: 10.1007/s00038-017-0971-8. Epub 2017 Apr 19.

Setting up a community-based cervical screening service in a low-income country: a pilot study from north-western Tanzania

Nestory Masalu  1 , Patrizia Serra  2 , Dino Amadori  3 , Jackson Kahima  4 , Charles Majinge  5 , Joyce Rwehabura  1 , Oriana Nanni  2 , Sara Bravaccini  6 , Maurizio Puccetti  7 , Rosario Tumino  8 , Lauro Bucchi  9
Affiliations

Setting up a community-based cervical screening service in a low-income country: a pilot study from north-western Tanzania

Nestory Masalu et al. Int J Public Health. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: To report the results of a pilot study for a service for cervical cancer screening and diagnosis in north-western Tanzania.

Methods: The pilot study was launched in 2012 after a community-level information campaign. Women aged 15-64 years were encouraged to attend the district health centres. Attendees were offered a conventional Pap smear and a visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA).

Results: The first 2500 women were evaluated. A total of 164 women (detection rate 70.0/1000) were diagnosed with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer. The performance of VIA was comparable to that of Pap smear. The district of residence, a history of untreated sexually transmitted disease, an HIV-negative status (inverse association), and parity were independently associated with the detected prevalence of disease. The probability of invasive versus preinvasive disease was lower in HIV-positive women and in women practicing breast self-examination.

Conclusions: The diagnostic procedure had an acceptable level of quality. Factors associated with the detected prevalence of disease will allow for a more targeted promotion of the service. Cervical screening should be coordinated with sexually transmitted disease and HIV infection control activities.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Prevalence; Screening; Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Age distribution of the 2342 eligible women (Tanzania, 2012–2013)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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