Objective:

To assess the prevalence of cervical cancer and identify associated factors among women living with HIV attending referral hospitals in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia, highlighting the public health implications.

Key Findings:

• Cervical cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in Ethiopia, particularly among those living with HIV, with incidence rates significantly higher than in HIV-negative women.
• Women living with HIV have a significantly higher risk of developing cervical precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer, with studies indicating a 5-10 times increased risk.
• Screening utilization remains low among women living with HIV despite the WHO's cervical cancer prevention strategy, with less than 30% participating in regular screenings.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the urgent need for targeted cervical cancer screening and prevention strategies for women living with HIV in Ethiopia to reduce incidence and mortality rates, advocating for policy changes.

Limitations:

• The study is limited to selected referral hospitals, which may not represent the entire population of women living with HIV in the region; future studies should include a broader range of facilities.
• Data collected from only the first visit of patients may not capture the full spectrum of cervical cancer prevalence; longitudinal studies are recommended to track changes over time.

Conclusion:

Strengthening screening and prevention services, alongside HPV vaccination, is critical to reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among women living with HIV in Ethiopia, necessitating immediate action from health authorities.