Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection and Associated Risk Factors Among Women Attending the Gynecology Unit in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, is the primary cause of cervical cancer The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV types 16 and 18 and identify associated risk factors among women attending the gynecology unit in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women attending the gynecology unit in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 344 women were selected and screened for HPV DNA. Data were collected between January and December 2025, analyzed using SPSS version 26. Cervical samples were collected and tested for HPV genotypes using the Abbott RealTime PCR System. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to determine the strength of association, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of HPV infection was 38.4% (132/344). The prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV-18 was 18.3% and 6.7%, respectively, with a combined prevalence of 25.0%. Women aged 40–50 years (AOR ≈ 3.8) and >50 years (AOR ≈ 4.9) had higher odds of HPV infection compared with those aged 30–40 years. Divorced or widowed women were more likely to be infected than married women. Having two or more sexual partners, long-term use of hormonal contraceptives (>5 years), a history of sexually transmitted infections, and HIV-positive status (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.13–4.96) were significantly associated with HPV infection. Conclusion The prevalence of HPV infection among women was high, with a significant portion attributed to HPV types 16 and 18. Significant predictors included older age, marital status, multiple sexual partners, long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, and HIV infection. Strengthening HPV vaccination, improving cervical cancer screening programs, and integrating HPV prevention with HIV and STI services are crucial to reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Ethiopia.