Risk factors for cervical cancer in Morocco: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Virology

Background:

• Cervical cancer (CC) represents a significant health challenge for Moroccan women.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary causative agent of CC globally and in Morocco.
• Understanding associated risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate key risk factors associated with cervical cancer among Moroccan women aged 18 to 62.
• To investigate the prevalence and genotypes of HPV infection in Moroccan women with CC.
• To analyze the epidemiological distribution of HPV strains in the Moroccan population.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 169 women with CC and 100 controls.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS version 29.0.10 to determine significant risk factors (p ≤ 0.05).
• HPV DNA testing and phylogenetic analysis to identify prevalent genotypes and their geographical origins.

Main Results:

• Significant risk factors for CC include lower educational level (OR=9.167), sexual activity during menstruation (OR=2.351), history of sexually transmitted infections (OR=2.173), and husband's multiple sexual partners (OR=6.305).
• HPV infection was found in 33.81% of cases and 8% of controls, with HPV16 being the most common genotype.
• Phylogenetic analysis indicated HPV strains linked to European, Saudi Arabian, and North African origins, with distinct American outgroups.

Conclusions:

• Cervical cancer in Morocco is strongly associated with HPV infection and several lifestyle-related risk factors.
• Low educational attainment and specific sexual behaviors significantly increase CC risk.
• The identified HPV genotypes and their phylogenetic links provide insights into the epidemiology of CC in Morocco and suggest potential regional variations in HPV strains.