Cross-Sectional Study Of Genital Wart Risk Factors Among HIV-Positive And HIV-Negative Patients In Nigeria

There is a lack of research on low-risk HPV infections like genital warts among vulnerable women, especially their HIV serology, because research focuses on high-risk strains of HPV associated with cervical cancer. The interplay between genital warts, HIV status, and sociocultural factors is crucial to understanding targeted prevention to alleviate the burden of genital warts in vulnerable populations. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and risk factors of genital warts among women with HIV serostatus. Women seeking gynecological consultation at a public hospital in Nigeria were studied cross-sectionally. A survey and medical records were used to collect data, which was then analyzed using SPSS 18.0. The majority of the women who had genital warts (63.33%) were HIV positive. For the first time, 67% of these women sought gynecological consultations for genital warts. Women with HIV were more likely to experience papule genital warts, while women without HIV were more likely to experience acuminate warts. Moreover, HIV-positive women with multiple sexual partners were found to have an increased risk of developing genital warts. Self-medication (75%) and traditional medicine (85%) were also prevalent. Healthcare-seeking behavior must be enhanced, early detection and treatment must be facilitated, and HIV and genital warts must be alleviated by addressing socio-cultural barriers. Traditional medicine should be integrated into healthcare systems, and efforts to raise awareness should be prioritized.