Perfis de dieta e hábitos de higiene vaginal em mulheres testadas para HPV de alto risco no Centro de Saúde DREAM Sant ́Egidio, Maputo

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Infection with high-risk HPV genotypes (hrHPV) is associated with approximately 99% of cervical cancer (CCU) cases, which represents the most frequent cancer among women in Mozambique, with high incidence and mortality rates.

Among the factors associated with hrHPV infection and associated cancers is the composition of the diet, which, when inadequate, can lead to an inadequate nutritional status and, consequently, immunodeficiencies and increased susceptibility to disease. Little is known about HPV infection and its relationship with diet in the context of Mozambique. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the profiles of habitual diet and vaginal hygiene, and their association with hrHPV infection in women screened for CCU at the DREAM Sant'Egídio center, Maputo. This is a cross-sectional study involving 108 women screened for cervical cancer through high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing. Sociodemographic data, vaginal hygiene habits, and dietary intake were obtained using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Information on HIV status was also included. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to investigate possible cause-and-effect associations. The median age was 41 years, with 27 (25%) hrHPV-positive and 81 (75%) hrHPV-negative. For HIV, 46 were positive (32 hrHPV-negative vs. 14 hrHPV-positive) and 60 negative (48 hrHPV-negative vs. 12 hrHPV-positive); (p <0.001). Most women (64.8%) reported performing vaginal hygiene more than twice a day. Regarding diet, participants considerably reported consuming rice and tubers (88%), alcoholic beverages (56%), meats (49%), and legumes (42%) 1-2 times/week. Vegetables and fruits were among the most consumed – 3-5 times/week for 34% and 30%, respectively. Only the consumption of rice and tubers (p=0.011; OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.23 – 3.85) and alcoholic beverages (p=0.034; OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 0.28 – 11.48) were associated with the outcome of hrHPV. It was possible to identify an association between the intake of certain food groups and the outcome of hrHPV. However, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm cause-and-effect associations in the context of Mozambique(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)