Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection in the Female Population in Barcelona, Spain

In Brief Background and Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of invasive cervical cancer. Identification of HPV determinants might allow for targeting of high-risk groups for cervical cancer. Goal The goal was to estimate the HPV prevalence and its determinants among women from the general population of Barcelona. Study Design We studied a random sample of female residents in metropolitan Barcelona, Spain (n = 973). Information was obtained through personal interviews and laboratory testing of cervical exfoliated cells. HPV was detected using a GP5+/6+ polymerase chain reaction assay. Results The average age of participants was 43 years (standard deviation = 16.1 y) and the percentage of lifetime monogamy was 79%. The age-adjusted HPV prevalence was 3.0%. Independent HPV determinants were being born overseas (odds ratio OR, 8.1; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.9-33.5), being divorced (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.9-24.3), reporting more than one sexual partner (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.5), and smoking marijuana and related products (OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.2-21.7). Use of condoms with regular partner was protective (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.02-1.0). Conclusion The study confirms a low overall HPV prevalence in a largely monogamous population. The protection observed with condom use needs further evaluation. A study of the female general population in metropolitan Barcelona, Spain identified a low prevalence of HPV infection in concordance with the low rates of invasive cervical cancer in the country. Major determinants of HPV infection were place of birth, history of multiple sexual partners, marital status, and smoking marijuana and/or related substances. Use of condoms with regular partners was protective.