Abstract
Background: A multicentre epidemiological survey was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, persistent cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women in Hungary. Methods and results: A total of 728 women were examined for the prevalence of HPV. The estimated overall rate of HPV infection was 17%. In univariate analysis the strongest predictors were young age (≤24 years), unmarried family status, smoking, a pathological papanicolaou (Pap) smear, having a condyloma and previous gynaecological cancer in the family (age and marital status being the most important predictors). In multiple regression analysis, young age (≤24 years) (odds ratio = 1.86, 95% confidence interval = 1.19-2.90, P < 0.01), smoking (1.78, 1.17-2.71, P < 0.05), an abnormal Pap smear (6.92, 2.68-17.84, P < 0.001), having a condyloma (4.22, 1.42-12.58, P < 0.01) and living in a region where the unemployment rate is relatively high (1.56, 1.24-2.82, P < 0.01) were associated risk factors for HPV infection. Conclusions: The prevalence of HPV infection in young women in Hungary is high. Screening for HPV is suggested only in women with an unfavourable gynaecological history who are ≤24 years old.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 2235-2237 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Human Reproduction |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cross-sectional study
- Epidemiology
- HPV
- Prevention
- Risk factor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology