Background Women living with HIV/AIDS present with a higher prevalence of HPV infection, higher rates of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), and are more susceptible to invasive cervical carcinoma progression.

Objective We assessed frequency of precursory cervical lesions of cancer and its risk factors for women living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods Sociodemographic, clinical, behaviour and laboratory data were collected from medical records from 2008 to 2009 and analysed using forward stepwise logistic regression.

Results Medical records of 631 women were reviewed; mean age at AIDS diagnosis was 34 years old (IQR=29–40 years old), 32% were <16 years old at first sexual intercourse; 61% had ≤5 sexual partners during life; 43% had been living with AIDS for ≥9 years; 47% reported previous sexually transmitted infections; 44% presented with HPV infection and 10% presented with high squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Presenting HSIL was significantly associated with home district Human Development Index, age at AIDS diagnosis (>40 years old), time of AIDS diagnosis (>8 years), CD4 cell count <350/mm³ and HPV infection see Abstract P1-S5.28 Tables 1, 2 & 3.

Conclusions Frequent squamous intraepithelial neoplasia in these women shows the importance of gynaecologic exams in routine care and follow-up required by those who present with cervical lesions.