Conference Abstracts - Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26)
Vol. 6, Issue Supplement 1, 2026 · S1-2
Prevalence, Genotype Distribution, and Determinants of High-Risk Carcinogenic Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Female Sex Workers in Kilimanjaro Region: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Gumbo Silas, BSc, MPH,Innocent Peter, MD, MPH,Patricia Swai, MD, PhD,Nicola West, MD, PhD,Bariki Mchome, MD, PhD,Alma R. Nzunda, MD,Gaudensia Olomi, BSc, MPH,Prisca Marandu, BSc,Leah Mmari, BSc,Happiness Kilamwai, BSc,Eva J. Kantelhardt, MD, PhD,Blandina T. Mmbaga, MD, PhD,Karen Yeates, MD, PhD,Alex Mremi, MD, PhD,, Federica Inturrisi, BSc, PhD
Submission received: 2025-12-06 / Accepted: 2026-01-07 / Published: 2026-01-26
Abstract
Introduction
Female sex workers (FSWs) face a heightened risk of cervical cancer due to increased exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV). However, data on the prevalence and genotype distribution of high-risk HPV (Hr-HPV) among FSWs in Tanzania are scarce. This study provides the first community-based evidence from this population in the Kilimanjaro region
Material and Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and November 2024 among 328 FSWs aged 25–49 years, recruited using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). Vaginal self-samples were tested using the ScreenFire HPV assay, which detects 13 high-risk HPV genotypes grouped into four channels (i.e., genotype clusters ranked by carcinogenic risk: HPV16; HPV18/45; HPV31/33/35/52/58; HPV39/51/56/59/68). Data were analyzed in SPSS Version 27.0 using modified Poisson regression to identify determinants of Hr-HPV infection.
Results
Among 309 eligible participants (median age 35 years, IQR 32–39), the overall prevalence of Hr-HPV was 57.6% (95% CI: 52.1–63.1). Among Hr-HPV positives, 40% of infections were found in Channel 3 (HPV31/33/35/52/58) and 10% had multiple HPV channel positivity.Higher odds of Hr-HPV infection were observed among HIV-positive women, tobacco users, and those engaged in peasantry or household occupations, while having a history of cervical cancer screening was protective (APR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.73–0.94).
Conclusion
This study revealed a high prevalence of Hr- HPV among FSWs, with channel 3 (HPV31/33/35/52/58) being the most common. Interventions targeting HIV, tobacco use, and improving screening uptake are recommended. Further research is needed to evaluate prevalence of cervical precancer/cancer among FSWs to better guide targeted screening strategies.