@article{ajcp2015321,
author={{Ajah, Leonard Ogbonna and Ezeonu, Paul Olisaemeka and Ozonu, Nelson Chukwudi and Iyoke, Chukwuemeka Anthony and Nkwo, Peter Onubiwe and Ajah, Monique Iheoma},
title={A Five Year Review of Cervical Cytology in Abakaliki, Nigeria},
journal={American Journal of Cancer Prevention},
volume={3},
number={2},
pages={23--26},
year={2015},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajcp/3/2/1},
issn={2328-7314},
abstract={<b>Background:</b> Cervical cancer is the commonest gynecological cancer in Nigeria. The risk factors to cervical cancer are common in our environment. <b>Objective</b>: To determine the prevalence of cervical squamous cell abnormalities and the risk factors associated with the disease in Abakaliki, Nigeria. <b>Methods</b>: A 5 year retrospective study of cervical cytology at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki from 1<SUP>st</SUP> January 2008 to 31<SUP>st</SUP> December 2012, was undertaken. <b>Results</b>: The prevalence of cervical squamous cell abnormalities in this study was 11.2%. These cervical squamous cell abnormalities comprised ASC-US (0.6%), LSIL (3.9%) and HSIL (6.7%). Cervical squamous cell abnormalities were significantly commoner among clients who were smokers, live in rural areas, had high parity and history of vaginal discharge/itching. However, age at coitarche, educational qualification and use of hormonal contraceptives did not have any effect on cervical squamous cell abnormality in this study. <b>Conclusion</b>: There is high prevalence of cervical squamous cell abnormality in Abakaliki. So there is need for public sensitization about this problem and the various ways of stemming the tide.},
doi={10.12691/ajcp-3-2-1}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}