[Human papillomavirus infection, a possible biological marker of sexual behavior among university students].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the prevalence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among university students and to use it as a biological marker to assess sexual behavior.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was carried out between 2000 and 2001 among 194 students at Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Mexico. A data collection instrument was applied and genital samples were taken to detect oncogenic HPV DNA. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test and odds ratios.

RESULTS:

Overall HPV prevalence was 14.4%. Women who had had two or more sexual partners during the previous year showed a greater risk of HPV infection (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7-21.1), as did women who had used oral contraceptives and spermicides at their latest intercourse (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-8.7). Males who consumed cocaine were at a greater risk of HPV infection (OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.3-45.1).

CONCLUSIONS:

HPV prevalence is relatively high. HPV is a reliable biological marker of sexual behavior among females. A greater sample size may be needed to assess its reliability among men.

• Authors: Miguel A Sánchez-Alemán, Felipe Uribe-Salas, Carlos J Conde-González
• Journal: Salud publica de Mexico (Salud Publica Mex) 2002 Sep-Oct Vol. 44 Issue 5 Pg. 442-7 ISSN: 0036-3634 [Print] Mexico
• Vernacular Title: La infección por el virus del papiloma humano, un posible marcador biológico de comportamiento sexual en estudiantes universitarios.
• PMID: 12389488 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Contraceptives, Oral
• DNA, Viral
• Spermatocidal Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Alcohol Drinking (epidemiology)
• Biomarkers
• Cervix Uteri (virology)
• Cocaine-Related Disorders (epidemiology)
• Contraception Behavior (statistics & numerical data)
• Contraceptives, Oral
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• DNA, Viral (isolation & purification)
• Female
• Homosexuality (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Male
• Mexico (epidemiology)
• Odds Ratio
• Papillomaviridae (classification, isolation & purification)
• Papillomavirus Infections (epidemiology, transmission)
• Penis (virology)
• Prevalence
• Sex Distribution
• Sexual Behavior (statistics & numerical data)
• Sexual Partners
• Socioeconomic Factors
• Spermatocidal Agents
• Students (psychology)
• Universities
• Vaginal Smears