Predictors of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection in Italian women
Résumé
Background: HPV infection is a “necessary cause” of cervical cancer and it is sexually transmitted. Due to upcoming mass vaccination investigation on risk factors for infection is the basis to implement prophylactic strategy even in older women. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate predictors of high-risk HPV infection in adult women. Methods: Between 2006 and 2008, one hundred women aged >18 years, with no previous treatment for cervical lesions, were screened for high-risk HPV infection in Rome, Italy. Risk factors for HPV infection were investigated through a questionnaire including: ethnicity, religion, education, marital status, sexual behavior, gynecological and obstetrical history, smoking and alcohol intake. Results: Multivariate analysis identified the “never married-separated/divorced” status (OR: 3.38; 95% CI: 1.14-10.12) as predictor of HPV infection, while having a higher age at the first sexual intercourse shows a protective effect (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.71-1.00). A trend for the association between the infection and having more than three lifetime partners was also observed (OR: 2,57; 95% CI: 0.86-7.71). No significant association was found for other demographic characteristics investigated. Conclusions: These findings provide a contribution in the knowledge of an adult population defining a “high risk” sexual behavioural profile and could be helpful to target prophylactic strategies in older woman.
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