Work

Factors Associated with HPV Infection in Women in the Cúcuta Metropolitan Area

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction. Cervical cancer (CC) is caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV). Several factors such as gynecological and behavioral history have been associated with this infection. Objective. To evaluate sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with HR-HPV infection in women living in Cúcuta and its metropolitan area. Methods. Cross-sectional study. HPV genotyping was performed on cytocervical specimens using PCR-HPV Direct Flow CHIP, sociodemographic data were collected using a structured survey. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated. Results. 72 women were included. The prevalence of HR-HPV infection was 13.89% (95%CI 7.72-23.71). Eight HR-HPV genotypes were detected, with HPV-73 being the most frequent. Factors independently associated with HR-HPV infection were being over 30 years of age (aPR 0.49; 95%CI 0.27-0.89), age at menarche (aPR 0.47; 95%CI 0.27-0.82), not having health insurance (aPR 4.23; 95%CI 1.69-10.60), and having had an abnormal Pap smear in the last three years (aPR 2.35; 95%CI 1.29-4.28). Conclusions. This is the first study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HR-HPV infection in women living in this region. The factors independently associated with a higher prevalence of HR-HPV infection were lack of health insurance and having had an abnormal Pap smear in the last three years; the former is a modifiable factor and the latter represents a factor that allows for comprehensive assessment and follow-up. The findings of this study highlight the importance of strengthening HPV surveillance, reinforcing vaccination campaigns, and expanding screening programs in Colombia’s border region.

Source: Revista de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias de la Salud

DOI: 10.46634/riics.431

Authors: Giovanny Mantilla Parada, Ruth Aralí Martínez-Vega, Helber Pino Navarro, Bladimiro Rincón-Orozco

Institutions: Francisco de Paula Santander University, Universidad De Santander, Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Universidad Industrial de Santander

Language: English

Topic: Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Universidad Industrial de Santander