Impact of the 2013 WHO guidelines for screening and treatment of cervical precancerous lesions on women’s screening rates, by HIV-status, in East and Southern Africa: A regression discontinuity design analysis

Abstract

Introduction In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines for cervical pre-cancer screening. It recommended screening women aged 30–49, and younger women once they tested HIV-positive. Subsequent WHO guidelines recommended screening women living with HIV (WLHIV) starting at age 25. However, the impact of 2013 guidelines and age to start screening on screening has not been studied.