African Journal of Reproductive Health

Triage accuracy of a six-gene methylation detection for high-risk HPV-positive Chinese women

This study aimed to evaluate the triage accuracy of a six-gene methylation detection test in high-risk human papillomavirus-positive women in China. A total of 369 cervical exfoliated cell samples were collected from high-risk human papillomavirus-positive women undergoing cervical cancer screening at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from October 2018 to August 2019. The methylation status of six gene was assessed using real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The triage accuracy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and 3 was compared with that of a commercial methylation kit, cervical cytology, and human papillomavirus types 16/18 tests using receiver operating characteristic curves. Additionally, the effectiveness of the six-gene test for triaging cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ and 3+ was validated in 215 samples collected between January and November 2020 and compared with p16/Ki-67 dual-staining cytology. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the positive methylation rate with the severity of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (P<0.001). This six-gene methylation pattern holds promise for improving triage accuracy in cervical cancer screening for high-risk human papillomavirus-positive women.

Awareness and utilization of obstetric services among pregnant women: Healthcare providers' perceptions and experiences in Lejweleputswa District, South Africa

This study examines pregnant women’s awareness and utilization of antenatal and obstetric services in the Lejweleputswa District, South Africa. A qualitative case study design was employed, using interviews conducted between October and November 2024 with 32 healthcare providers, including nurses, midwives, and facility managers. The study explored factors shaping service uptake, such as socio-economic barriers, cultural beliefs, late antenatal booking, and health system challenges. Findings show that limited awareness of available services, persistent cultural misconceptions, long travel distances, and shortages of skilled staff reduce early and consistent antenatal care (ANC) attendance. The study recommends strengthening community health education, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing provider–patient communication to address these barriers. Practical implication: The results can support district-level policies aimed at increasing early ANC use and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal complications in rural settings.

Understanding the determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake in Hoima District, Uganda

Cervical cancer poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings such as Hoima district, Uganda. Early detection through screening is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. This study aimed to investigate the socio-demographic, client-related, and institutional factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women aged 20 to 60 years in Hoima district. A cross-sectional study involving 400 women and 95 health workers as key informants was conducted across 20 selected health centres in Hoima district. Data collection employed interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Socio-demographic factors including age, marital status, and occupation were found to significantly influence cervical cancer screening uptake. Among client-related factors, awareness about the importance of screening emerged as a key determinant. Institutional barriers such as limited availability of screening services were identified as significant obstacles to uptake, with only one health facility offering services. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve cervical cancer screening uptake in Hoima district. Recommendations include implementing health promotion campaigns and expanding screening services to all health centres, accompanied by training for health workers and provision of necessary resources

Intrauterine adhesions on second-look hysteroscopy after myomectomy with endometrial cavity breach: incidence and risk factors in a population in Kinshasa

Intrauterine adhesions are defined as abnormal attachment of the uterine cavity walls and are one of the main causes of infertility worldwide. Myomectomy can cause endometrial cavity breach and lead to postoperative intrauterine adhesions. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of intrauterine adhesions after myomectomy with endometrial cavity breach, including all patients that underwent myomectomy with endometrial cavity breach and second-look hysteroscopy, from January 2020 to December 2024. The incidence of intrauterine adhesions was 12.7%. History of abortion (p=0.015; aOR=6.9) and involvement of both uterine walls (p=0.000; aOR=27.3) emerged as risk factors. In conclusion, history of abortion or involvement of both the anterior and posterior uterine walls in patients undergoing myomectomy are risk factors for intra-uterine adhesions. Attention should then be paid to absolutely prevent this condition when dealing with these patients.

Short-term efficacy of laparoscopic type C radical hysterectomy by deep uterine vein approach for treatment of cervical cancer

This was an original research. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic type C radical hysterectomy by deep uterine vein approach in treating cervical cancer. Two hundred cases of cervical cancer were allocated into control group and intervention group. The control group underwent pelvic lymph node dissection + para-aortic lymph node resection followed by extensive hysterectomy. The intervention group underwent laparoscopic type C radical hysterectomy by deep uterine vein approach + pelvic lymph node dissection ± para-aortic lymph node resection. In comparison with the control group, the intervention group had significantly lower amount of blood loss, longer time of indwelling catheter, shorter time of abdominal drainage tube removal and anal exhaust, lower incidence of postoperative complications, higher rate of pathological stage upgrading, and higher quality of life score, and had lower recurrence rate. We conclude that laparoscopic C-type radical hysterectomy by deep uterine vein approach is effective, safe and reliable, and can promote patients quality of life, which is valuable for clinical use.

Effectiveness of nursing care for cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Nursing interventions play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life (QoL) and therapeutic outcomes for cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, variations in nursing interventions and patient results require a meta-analysis to consolidate evidence on the most effective nursing approaches. This meta-analysis assessed how nursing care interventions influence QoL, adherence to chemotherapy, and the management of symptoms in cervical cancer patients. An extensive search through PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases yielded 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the eligibility requirements. The findings revealed that nursing interventions significantly boosted QoL (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.49), increased adherence to chemotherapy protocols (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.60), and alleviated chemotherapy-induced symptoms like fatigue and nausea (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.67). Funnel plots showed minimal publication bias in the studies analyzed. We conclude that nursing interventions significantly enhance QoL, treatment adherence, and symptom control for cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Bridging digital divides: A quantitative assessment of equity, access, and determinants of AI adoption for women’s reproductive cancer care in China

A study in China using data from the National Health Services Survey and the Cancer Registry examined factors influencing women's access to AI-assisted breast and cervical cancer screening. Analysis of data from 10,250 women aged 18-65 revealed that urban residence, higher education and income levels, and digital literacy significantly increased the likelihood of access to such screenings. Hospitals equipped with AI systems demonstrated substantially higher early detection rates. However, major barriers included distance to AI-enabled facilities and residence in western provinces. The study concludes that while AI improves diagnostic accuracy, access remains stratified along socioeconomic and geographic lines, necessitating digital infrastructure investments and equity-centered AI governance to ensure that all women benefit.

Comparative analysis of robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy versus traditional abdominal and laparoscopic myomectomy: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age, often requiring surgical intervention. This meta-analysis and systematic review compared the effectiveness, safety, and cost of three surgical approaches: robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RLM), traditional abdominal myomectomy (AM), and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM). Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases for studies published through January 2024, with no restrictions on publication date. Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and nine studies in the meta-analysis, comprising 2,559 patients. Our findings revealed that AM had significantly shorter operative time compared to RLM (mean difference: 82.54 minutes; 95% CI: -122.14, -42.93; P < 0.00001; I² = 94%). However, RLM was associated with significantly shorter hospital stays than AM (mean difference: 1.54 days; 95% CI: 1.31 to 1.77; P≤0.00001; I²=58%). No significant differences were found in operative time (mean difference: 36.47 minutes; 95% CI: -11.58, 84.51; P = 0.14) or blood loss between RLM and LM. Intraoperative bleeding (EBL >1000 mL) was most common in AM (7.0%) compared to RLM (1.3%) and LM (2.6%). Postoperative transfusion rates were highest in AM (20%), followed by LM (5.8%) and RLM (3.8%). The study demonstrated substantial heterogeneity (I² > 75% for most outcomes), attributed to differences in patient characteristics and study designs. In conclusion, RLM provides favorable outcomes with shorter hospital stays and fewer complications compared to AM, while showing comparable results to LM, though at potentially higher cost.

Pregnancy health literacy and willingness for HPV Testing among pregnant women in Lahore, Pakistan

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary risk factor for cervical cancer development. In low-resource settings, HPV screening uptake is often limited by health literacy barriers. This study examined how health literacy affects willingness to undergo HPV screening (as a cervical cancer prevention method) among 384 pregnant women (aged 15-45) in Lahore, Pakistan using cross-sectional data. We assessed health literacy using Kharazi's validated questionnaire, with evaluation done across four dimensions: health information comprehension, critical evaluation, informed decision-making, and practical application. We assessed the HPV screening willingness using a WHO's instrument, with evaluation done across two dimensions: an awareness and an attitude and willingness section. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through simple and multiple linear regression models. The results from the simple linear analysis showed that health literacy had a significant positive effect on women’s willingness to undergo HPV testing (β=0.811, 95% CI=0.753,0.875, p=0.001). From the multiple linear regression analysis, the different dimension of health literacy had significant positive effect on willingness to undergo HPV testing, with the health information comprehension dimension having the strongest positive effect (β=0.724, 95% CI=0.676, 0.801, p=0.001). These findings suggest that enhancing pregnancy health literacy could improve HPV screening acceptance. The results have important implications for designing cervical cancer prevention programs in high-risk populations through antenatal care services.

Construction and validation of a prediction model for postoperative recurrence risk of cervical high-risk lesions using nomogram analysis

Patients with cervical high-risk lesions face a heightened risk of recurrence following cervical conization, making early prediction of recurrence essential for effective treatment and follow-up. This retrospective cohort study aimed to develop a recurrence risk prediction model using clinical factors to enhance prediction accuracy and guide clinical decisions. The study included 120 female patients undergoing their first cervical conization with positive surgical margins. Clinical data such as age, human papilloma virus (HPV) typing, surgical margin status, colposcopy results, and postoperative treatments were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified age ≥ 45 years, HPV 16/18 infection, and positive surgical margins at the internal or external os as independent predictors of recurrence. A nomogram model was constructed and validated externally, achieving 90.3% accuracy in predicting recurrence in an additional 31 patients. Decision curve analysis confirmed the model's higher net benefit compared to single-factor predictions. We conclude that the recurrence risk prediction model, based on age, HPV typing, and surgical margin status, offers high accuracy and clinical utility, supporting individualized patient management and precise treatment planning.

Knowledge and perceptions of uterine fibroids: A descriptive cross-sectional survey among women of childbearing age in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomies among women of childbearing age. This study aimed to elicit the knowledge and perceptions of childbearing women towards uterine fibroids. A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive design was used and data were collected from a sample of 362 women of reproductive age residing in a selected township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Durban University of Technology’s Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC – Ref No. BIREC 014/21). A pre-tested survey was conducted to collect data for this study. SPSS version 27 was used to analyze data and further employed descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics were also conducted to investigate relationships between important variables and respondents who self-reported being diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Most participants, 73.8% (n=267), had no awareness of uterine fibroids. Participants also demonstrated poor knowledge regarding the aetiology and symptoms of the condition. However, nearly half of the participants, 49.2% (n=178), perceived uterine fibroids to be of spiritual origin, citing evil spirits and witchcraft as the cause. The study findings suggest that women in the selected township lack accurate knowledge about uterine fibroids. Despite the limitations related to the use of a convenience sampling approach for data collection and the subsequently low levels of education observed among certain participants, the study findings provide useful baseline information to inform the development of tailored educational interventions for the condition.

Detection of precancerous lesions in cervical images of perimenopausal women using U-net deep learning

Due to physiological changes during the perimenopausal period, the morphology of cervical cells undergoes certain alterations. Accurate cell image segmentation and lesion identification are of great significance for the early detection of precancerous lesions. Traditional detection methods may have certain limitations, thereby creating an urgent need for the development of more effective models. This study aimed to develop a highly efficient and accurate cervical cell image segmentation and recognition model to enhance the detection of precancerous lesions in perimenopausal women. based on U-shaped Network(U-Net) and Residual Network (ResNet). The model integrates U-Net with Segmentation Network (SegNet) and incorporates the Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention mechanism to create the 2Se/U-Net segmentation model. Additionally, ResNet is optimized with the local discriminant loss function (LD-loss) and deep residual learning (DRL) blocks to develop the LD/ResNet lesion recognition model. The performance of the models is evaluated using data from 103 cytology images of perimenopausal women, focusing on segmentation metrics like mean pixel accuracy (MPA) and mean intersection over union (mIoU), as well as lesion detection metrics such as accuracy (Acc), precision (Pre), recall (Re), and F1-score (F1). Results show that the 2Se/U-Net model achieves an MPA of 92.63% and mIoU of 96.93%, outperforming U-Net by 12.48% and 9.47%, respectively. The LD/ResNet model demonstrates over 97.09% accuracy in recognizing cervical cells and achieves high detection performance for precancerous lesions, with Acc, Pre, and Re at 98.95%, 99.36%, and 98.89%, respectively. The model shows great potential for enhancing cervical cancer screening in clinical settings.

Optimising the effectiveness of the see and treat program for cervical intracellular neoplasia among HIV-positive women, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is a precancerous lesion that can rapidly progress to cervical cancer in people living with HIV if not promptly treated. This cross-sectional study included 108 women who returned for re-evaluation after participating in the see-and-treat program at regional hospitals in Addis Ababa. Chi-square tests and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Findings revealed an effectiveness rate of 73.2%, while 26.8% of women required further treatment. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations for the following factors: age group (adjusted OR [AOR] = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.002–0.36, p = 0.03), ever use of family planning (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07–0.96, p = 0.04), number of sexual partners (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07–0.96, p = 0.04), and CIN stage (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04–0.95, p = 0.04). The findings highlight a lack of effectiveness for a substantial number of women, underscoring the need for further research and potential revisions to the see and treat program for HIV positive women.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among women at a gynaecological clinic in Tlemcen, Algeria

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is recognized as the etiologic agent responsible for cervical cancer, ranking as the second most prevalent cancer among women in Algeria with an incidence rate of 10.4 per 100,000. The primary aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary prospective investigation into the detection of HR-HPV infections in Tlemcen, Algeria, where screening is exclusively based on cytology. A total of 130 cervical swabs were analysed in this study. HPV detection was performed utilizing the Cobas® 4800 test, incorporating polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for individual genotyping of HPV-16 and HPV-18, as well as pooled detection of 12 other commonly occurring HPVs. The findings revealed that out of the 130 samples, 28 tested positive for HR-HPV, resulting in a prevalence rate of 21.5%. Among these cases, five infections demonstrated the coexistence of HPV16 with other HR-HPV genotypes. The prevalence of HPV16 infections was determined to be 28.6% (8/28), whereas 68% of infections (19/28) were attributed to other HR-HPV genotypes. These observations indicate that HPV16 was not the prevailing genotype. Consequently, these results underscore the necessity for a larger-scale study with an expanded sample size encompassing cytology and HPV testing. Such an investigation would be invaluable in facilitating the development of a national prevention program to effectively control cervical cancer.

Environmental and psychosocial predictors of cervical cancer screening among women in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, North Central, Nigeria

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among Nigerian women. Although screening is a cost-effective strategy for reducing its burden, uptake remains sub-optimal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 sexually active women aged ≥25 years in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Mean age of respondents was 38.4±11.6years. 246(46.9%) had good knowledge of CC screening while 268(51.2%) had poor knowledge. Religion (aOR:1.8 [95% CI: 1.1 - 3.1]), location (aOR:1.2 [95% CI: 1.2 - 3.4) and number of children (aOR:2.3 [95% CI: 1.3 - 3.9]) were predictors for screening. Poor access routes to health facilities (aOR:0.5 [95% CI: 0.2 – 0.9]), high cost of screening (aOR:0.4 [95% CI: 0.2 – 0.9]), unaware of screening centers (aOR:0.4 [95% CI: 0.2 – 0.9]) and long waiting hours (aOR:0.5 [95% CI: 0.2 – 0.9) were identified environmental predictors. Fear of positive diagnosis/stigma (aOR:0.3 [95% CI: 0.1 – 0.9]), unacceptable touch (aOR:0.2 [95% CI: 0.1 – 0.8), deficiency in awareness programs (aOR:0.3 [95% CI: 0.2 – 0.7]), and not aware of appropriate screening age (aOR:0.1 [95% CI: 0.1 – 0.4]) were identified psychosocial predictors. This study highlights the need to intensify enlightenment programs, subsidize screening services, and encourage community screening.

Effectiveness of production-oriented approach and plan-do-check-action cycle for clinical teaching of gynecological oncology

This study explored the effectiveness of combining the production-oriented approach (POA) with the Plan-Do-Check-Action (PDCA) cycle in clinical teaching of gynaecologic oncology. A total of 60 rotating physicians, undergoing standardized training in First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University between January 2023 and March 2024, were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The control group followed traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group received teaching based on the POA and PDCA cycle. Comparison of pre- and post-teaching scores revealed that the experimental group had significantly higher scores in theoretical examinations, practical operations, and case analysis (P<0.05). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated greater enthusiasm for learning and stronger autonomous learning abilities (P<0.05). Furthermore, teaching satisfaction was notably higher in the experimental group (P<0.05). These findings suggest that integrating POA with the PDCA cycle can significantly enhance the quality of clinical teaching, improve learning outcomes, and increase satisfaction among gynaecologic oncology physicians.

Gynaecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors of women aged 20-65 years: A descriptive cross-sectional study

For both individual and community health, women's health is vital. In particular, gynecological cancers can be prevented or treated by adopting healthy lifestyles, raising awareness, and detecting them early. This study aimed to identify levels of gynecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors among women aged 20-65 years. There were 251 women in the descriptive cross-sectional study. The Gynecological Cancers Awareness Scale (GCAS), the Descriptive Characteristics Form, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale-II (HLBS-II) were used to gather data. The data was analyzed using the Pearson's correlation test, multiple linear regression, and descriptive statistics. The average HLBS-II score was 123.53±20.75, while the average GCAS score was 149.64±21.30. The HLBS-II and GCAS scores showed a statistically significant positive correlation. Women knowledgeable about early diagnosis methods scored 10.758 times higher on the GCAS, while women familiar with vulvar self-examination scored 11.016 times higher. Employed women had a mean HLBS-II score 6.124 times higher than non-employed women (p<0.05). Women's awareness of gynecological cancer was high, but they also had moderately good lifestyle choices. To raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices, healthcare professionals are advised to take part in health-promoting initiatives.

Intravenous iron therapy for treating patients with iron deficiency anaemia during the perioperative period of gynecological malignancy

Anaemia is a common phenomenon in patients with malignant gynecological tumors. The occurrence of anaemia in the perioperative period leads to an increased probability of blood transfusion, increased surgical complications,poor wound healing, prolonged hospitalization, increased medical costs, and increased mortality. Intravenous iron, which is known for its rapid onset and lack of gastrointestinal side effects, has become increasingly prevalent in clinical practice. A total of 300 patients with gynaecological malignancies were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital,Hengyang Medical School,University of South China between January , 2019 and December , 2021. Anaemia was assessed during routine blood tests by measuring red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, haematocrit (HCT) values, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). The postoperative blood transfusion rate, transfusion volume, infection rate, and hospitalization duration were also recorded and comparisons were made between the control and treatment groups.Our study showed that preoperative intravenous iron injection can effectively increase haemoglobin levels in patients with anemia caused by gynecological cancer, reduces the probability of perioperative blood transfusion., decreases postoperative complications and infection rates, shortens hospital stays, and improves short-term prognosis in patients. We concluded that intravenous iron presents is a valuable clinical option for addressing perioperative anaemia in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Impact of comprehensive nursing on operation time of myomectomy and intraoperative blood loss of pregnant women with co-existing uterine myoma

We aimed to assess the impact of comprehensive nursing care on the operation time and intraoperative blood loss of pregnant women with uterine myoma. Sixty pregnant patients treated between January 2018 and September 2020 were randomly assigned to a routine nursing group or a comprehensive nursing group (n=30). The comprehensive nursing group experienced significantly reduced operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation time, and overall duration of hospitalization when compared to those of the control group (P<0.001). Pain levels were also significantly lower in the comprehensive nursing group 12-48 h after operation (P<0.001). Comprehensive nursing led to significant improvements in anxiety and depression scores, with higher nursing satisfaction rates. These findings suggest that comprehensive nursing provides substantial benefits for managing the surgical and mental health outcomes of pregnant women with uterine myoma.

Efficacy of bevacizumab maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer and its impact on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) pathway. A total of 126 patients were enrolled, divided into two groups: control (n=62) and study (n=64). The control group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor debulking surgery, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The research group received postoperative bevacizumab maintenance therapy in addition to standard treatment. Results showed that the research group had significantly improved disease control rates (43.75% vs. 24.19%, P=0.0206), objective response rates (76.56% vs. 48.39%, P=0.0011), overall survival (30.45±7.69 months vs. 22.92±7.26 months, P<0.0001) and progression-free survival (16.08±2.46 months vs. 12.08±2.25 months) compared to controls. Bevacizumab also led to lower levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression. This therapy demonstrated safety and efficacy, significantly prolonging progression-free survival and overall survival.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus and cervical neoplasia among women who have sex with women in Cameroon: A descriptive study

This descriptive study addresses a critical research gap by examining HPV and cervical neoplasia among women who have sex with women (WSW) in Cameroon, an underserved population. WSW typically undergo less frequent cervical cancer screening. We conducted a pilot study in Douala, Cameroon, recruiting WSW through Elle Cameroon, a community organization serving underserved populations. Working within the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, participants underwent HPV screening and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) enhanced by Digital Cervicography (DC). We ran the frequencies and determined the p-values, prevalence odds ratios (POR) and prevalence risk ratios (PRR) using STATA 17. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Of 26 participants enrolled, 19 (73.1%) provided valid HPV results, with 57.9% (11/19) testing positive for HPV. Also 80.8 % (21/26) of the participants were screened for cervical neoplasia and 19.05% (4/19) were positive. There was no significant association between HPV cervical neoplasia. Those who were HPV positive had 1.4 and 1.3 POR and PRR respectively. Our results suggest high prevalence of oncogenic HPV and cervical neoplasia among WSW in Cameroon. An adequately powered study is needed to further elucidate these findings and address healthcare disparities in this underserved population.

Association of systemic antioxidant status and oxidative stress markers in women with endometrial cancer compared with age-matched controls

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of gynecologic cancers, including endometrial cancer. This study investigated serum antioxidant levels and oxidative stress markers in 200 women with endometrial cancer compared to 200 healthy, age- and body mass index-matched controls. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, glutathione, and ceruloplasmin were significantly lower in cancer patients, while markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde, peroxynitrite, gamma-glutamyl transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, were markedly elevated. Notably, antioxidant levels showed inverse correlations with several oxidative markers, and lower levels of glutathione and vitamin C were independently linked to higher endometrial cancer risk. These findings suggest that redox imbalance plays a critical role in endometrial carcinogenesis and that antioxidant profiles may aid in risk assessment and early detection strategies.

Awareness of women with gynecologic cancer about their disease: evidence from İzmir, Turkey

Gynecologic cancers are common malignancies among women, and awareness may influence screening and timely care. This study assessed disease awareness among women with gynecologic cancer in İzmir, Turkey. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 women aged 25–60 years diagnosed between January and December 2024 at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. Participants completed a sociodemographic/obstetric questionnaire and the Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS). The mean age was 42.3±6.9 years and the mean GCAS score was 152.2. Awareness scores were significantly higher in women aged 30–49 years, university graduates, those with income exceeding expenses, and premenopausal participants (p<0.05). GCAS scores were not associated with marital status, occupation, family type, smoking, alcohol use, body mass index, parity, or cancer type (p>0.05). Targeted educational strategies, especially for postmenopausal and socioeconomically disadvantaged women, may strengthen awareness and support participation in screening and follow-up programs.

Influence of vitamin D supplementation and the vaginal microenvironment on human papillomavirus infection

This was a retrospective study, mainly explored the mediating role of vaginal microenvironment and the influence of vitamin D addition on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Five hundred and twelve participants were chosen in this study, followed by dividing into HPV positive (212 cases) and negative groups (300 cases) based on HPV 23 typing results. The high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) positive group showed higher abnormal rates of lactobacillus, catalase, cleanliness, sialidosidase, and proline aminopeptidase than the HPV negative group. No significant differences were found in pH value, leukocyte esterase, and Acetylglucosaminidase abnormality between 2 groups. The HR-HPV positive group presented a higher percentage of patients with cleanliness III and IV. Relative to low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) group, HSIL group presented a higher HPV positive infection rate. Mould infection, Gardnerella infection, and catalase were identified as independent risk elements for HR-HPV infection. Vitamin D supplementation was found to potentially reduce HR-HPV infection persistence post-Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), improve nutritional health, reduce insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride levels, as well as reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) along with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Our results indicate that HR-HPV infection is intimately associated with the condition of the vaginal microenvironment, and vitamin D addition potentially reduces the persistence of HR-HPV infection post-LEEP, improves nutritional and metabolic health, reduces inflammation, and be well-tolerated.

Effect of zoledronic acid on biological characteristics of cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer (CC) is a malignant tumor in females characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, often resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. Zoledronic acid (ZA), a third-generation bisphosphonate, exhibits anti-tumor properties across various types of tumors. To further understand the effect of ZA in the treatment of CC, this article included two kinds of human CC cells (CCCs) as the research object, examining the impact of varying levels of ZA on the cells’ biological properties. Hela and Siha were cultivated and exposed to ZA at 0, 50, 100, and 200 μM, and the changes of cell proliferation, clone formation, migration, and invasion characteristics were detected. Cell RNA was extracted to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the relative expression (RE) of AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin (β-cat) pathway related proteins. The results show that as against 0 μM, the proliferation rate, clone formation cell number, migration distance, and invasive cell number of Hela and Siha were markedly reduced, while E-cadherin (E-cad) was markedly enhanced. N-cadherin (N-cad), vimentin (Vim), p-AKT, p-GSK3β, and β-cat were markedly decreased at 50, 100, and 200 μM ZA; With the increase of ZA concentration, the biological characteristics and protein expression levels of Hela and Siha changed more markedly, showing concentration dependent characteristics (P < 0.05). It was concluded that ZA can influence the malignant biological activities of CCCs.