Maybin Kalubula
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences,China
Title: Cervical cancer risk from the use of ‘insunko’ vaginal herb: A sexual discrimination
Biography
Biography: Maybin Kalubula
Abstract
Background
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Zambian women, and its upward trend in Zambia in the past decade is worrisome. Multiple sexual partners, early indulgence in sexual activities and the use of vaginal herbs among others have heightened the risk of contracting the Human Papilloma Virus infection, which is the major cause of cervical cancer.
Methods
A qualitative research design on the use of ‘insunko’ vaginal herb coupled with descriptive phenomenological approach was applied, which involved the retrospective and prospective cervical cancer data obtained from patients’ files at the Zambia Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH). 10 focus group discussions from 10 hospitals across Zambia involving 30 (n =30) Gynecologists and Cervical Cancer Screening Nurses were conducted to determine the extent of use of ‘insunko’ vaginal herb. The samples were 5,719 (n = 5,719) for the descriptive study. Our study was authorised by the National Health Research Authority of Zambia.
Results
Cervical cancer in Zambia mostly affected age groups 30 – 39, 40 – 49 and 50 – 59 years. ‘Insunko’ herb is widely used in Zambia for sniffing (smoking) while women also use it vaginally for sexual pleasure of the male partner during sexual intercourse. Standardised Incidence Rates (SIR) for all ages have been very high in Monze (493.82; 95% CI = 431.07 – 556.57), Lusaka (413.11; 95% CI = 391.2 – 435.02), Katete (319.58; 95% CI = 276.91 – 362.25) and Chipata (305.04; 95% CI = 274.92 – 335.16). Multiple sexual partners and polygamist marriages are associated with cervical cancer incidence with correlation coefficient r = 0.710 and p – value of 0.021. Age groups affected with cervical cancer are associated with women known to be using ‘insunko’ vaginal herb with p – value = 0.019.
Conclusions
The upward trend of cervical cancer in Zambia has been triggered by the culture of having multiple sexual partners and early indulgence in sexual activities. The use of ‘insunko’ vaginal herb is a kind of sexual discrimination with serious health consequences in women. The government should initiate and implement policies to fight the ignorant sexual culture in order to protect women’s rights