Human Reproduction, Vol. 16, No. 10, 2235-2237,
October 2001
© 2001 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Screening for human papillomavirus infection in asymptomatic women in Hungary
1 Department of Medical Informatics, University of Szeged, 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, 3 Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, Australia, 4 National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, 5 Department of Clinical Microbiology and 6 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Szeged, Hungary
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.
Key words: cross-sectional study/epidemiology/HPV/prevention/risk factor
7 To whom correspondence should be addressed at: H-6720 Szeged, PO Box 427, Hungary. E-mail: Nyari{at}dmi.szote.u-szeged.hu