[Paper Review] Prevalence and Associated Factors of Human Papillomavirus Infection among Iraqi Women

Maitham G. Yousif, Fadhil G. Al-Amran+2 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jul 27, 2023

Cervical Cancer and HPV Research14 citations

TL;DR

This study estimates HPV prevalence among Iraqi women aged 15-50 attending health centers and characterizes associated factors, including cervical cytology outcomes. It found a 17.96% HPV positivity rate and notable CIN distributions among positives.

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern, as it is a leading cause of cervical cancer in women. However, data on the prevalence of HPV infection among Iraqi women is scarce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV infection and its associated factors among Iraqi women aged 15-50 attending health centers. In this cross-sectional study, 362 female participants aged 15-50 were recruited from health centers in Iraq. Serological tests were used to screen for HPV infection. Sociodemographic information, obstetric history, and contraceptive use were collected. Pap smears were performed to assess cervical changes related to HPV infection. Of the 362 participants, 65 (17.96%) tested positive for HPV. The majority of HPV-positive women were aged 30-35 years, housewives, and belonged to lower social classes. Among HPV-positive women, 30% had abnormal Pap smears, with 55% diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1), 25% with CIN2, and 15% with CIN3. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 5% of cases. No significant association was found between HPV infection and contraceptive use. Most HPV-positive women were multiparous. This study reveals a considerable prevalence of HPV infection among Iraqi women attending health centers, particularly in the age group of 30-35 years and among housewives. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to increase HPV awareness, promote regular screening, and improve access to healthcare services for women, especially those from lower social classes. Further research is warranted to better understand the factors contributing to HPV transmission in Iraq and to develop effective prevention strategies.

Motivation & Objective

• Estimate the prevalence of HPV infection among Iraqi women aged 15-50 attending health centers in Iraq.
• Identify sociodemographic, obstetric, and contraceptive factors associated with HPV infection.
• Assess cervical cytology changes related to HPV infection (Pap smears) and biopsy-confirmed diagnoses.

Proposed method

• Cross-sectional study design with 362 female participants aged 15-50 recruited from health centers in Iraq.
• HPV infection screened via serological tests.
• Collected data on sociodemographic factors, obstetric history, and contraceptive use.
• Pap smears performed to assess cervical changes related to HPV.
• Biopsy performed to confirm cervical pathology in selected cases.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What is the prevalence of HPV infection among Iraqi women aged 15-50 attending health centers?
• RQ2 What sociodemographic, obstetric, and contraceptive factors are associated with HPV infection in this population?
• RQ3 What cervical cytology abnormalities are observed among HPV-positive women, and how often are biopsies confirming CIN lesions?

Key findings

• 65 of 362 participants tested positive for HPV (17.96%).
• Among HPV-positive women, the majority were aged 30-35 years, housewives, and from lower social classes.
• Within HPV-positive women, 30% had abnormal Pap smears; CIN1 accounted for 55%, CIN2 for 25%, and CIN3 for 15%.
• Biopsy confirmation occurred in 5% of HPV-positive cases.
• No significant association was found between HPV infection and contraceptive use.
• Most HPV-positive women were multiparous.