Source
Servei d'Epidemiologia i Registre del Cancer, Institut Catala d'Oncologia, Gran Via km 2.7 E-08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. s.sanjose@ico.scs.es
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of invasive cervical cancer. Identification of HPV determinants might allow for targeting of high-risk groups for cervical cancer.
GOAL:
The goal was to estimate the HPV prevalence and its determinants among women from the general population of Barcelona.
STUDY DESIGN:
We studied a random sample of female residents in metropolitan Barcelona, Spain (n = 973). Information was obtained through personal interviews and laboratory testing of cervical exfoliated cells. HPV was detected using a GP5+/6+ polymerase chain reaction assay.
RESULTS:
The average age of participants was 43 years (standard deviation = 16.1 y) and the percentage of lifetime monogamy was 79%. The age-adjusted HPV prevalence was 3.0%. Independent HPV determinants were being born overseas (odds ratio [OR], 8.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-33.5), being divorced (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.9-24.3), reporting more than one sexual partner (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.5), and smoking marijuana and related products (OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.2-21.7). Use of condoms with regular partner was protective (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.02-1.0).
CONCLUSION:
The study confirms a low overall HPV prevalence in a largely monogamous population. The protection observed with condom use needs further evaluation.