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Article History

Received: 28 March 2025

Accepted: 12 February 2026

First Online: 15 February 2026

Declarations

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: This study was cleared by the Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Ethics Committee (MUST-REC) (MUST-2022-612) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) (HS2722ES). The Hospital Director, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, also provided clearance before the commencement of data collection. All participants in this cohort study received the standard package of care at the cervical cancer clinic. The fact that this study involved human research participants, we ensured that all procedures adhered to the declaration of Helsinki. With the help of research assistants, we sought written informed consent from every participant before taking part in the study. Participants also consented to have their blood samples stored and files or chats reviewed, by research assistants, for more clinical and demographic information. We used study numbers, not names, for all collected data and blood specimens. We delinked all participants’ identifiable information during data analysis. A separate record was kept in the clinic to help capture patient’s telephone numbers that were used during follow up. All participant interaction with the research team took place in a private and comfortable room, free from other disturbances and only accessible to one participant at a time. All filled/completed documents were filed before calling in the next participant. Participants received their VIA results on the spot. Pap smear results were ready in not more than a week’s time after sample collection. The results of biomarkers were ready after one month from the time of sample collection. All results were delivered to participants by the nurse at the clinic. In cases where results returned with abnormal results, participants were linked to relevant departments for appropriate management.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.