Factors Related to Human Papilloma Virus Infection Rate in Women

Kim, Sung Hee; Lee, Ka Young; Park, Tae Jin; Kim, Jun Su; Kim, Yeun Mi; O, Hea Sook

Abstract

BACKGROUND
It is not clear which demographic factors would be considered for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Korean women and how women understand the HPV infection. This study was conducted to find the factors related to HIV infection and the realities of follow-up tests and perception among women infected with HPV. METHODS: The subjects were 2,113 women (median 41 years old) who received a Papanicolaou smear and a HPV DNA test at a health promotion center from March 2006 to October 2007. The follow-up rate and perception for HPV infection among women infected by HPV were surveyed using telephone. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of HPV infection was 17.3% (N = 365). However, the prevalence of HPV infection among women younger than 30 years old reached 30.7% (17.6% for low-risk group of HPV, 13.1% for high-risk group of HPV). The odds for being infected with HPV was 3.2 (95% confidence interval, 2.0 to 5.2) among unmarried women younger than 30 years old compared to those at the ages of 30 years or older. Married women younger than 30 years were also 2.1-4.3 times more likely to be infected with low-risk group of HPV compared to those aged 30 years or older. Among those infected with HPV and answered to the survey (N = 282), 51.4% took irregular gynecologic follow-up and 66.2% did not have information for the need or importance of follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: The risk of being infected with HPV seems to be higher for unmarried women younger than 30 years old. Additionally, a standardized guideline should be provided to improve follow-up examination and knowledge about HPV infection.