Effects of HPV-related psychosocial burden and general psychological health on quality of life and sexual function in women with HPV infection in the initial period after diagnosis

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and sexual function, mainly owing to increased levels of anxiety and distress. Aims To examine the potentially moderating effects of general psychological health on the relationships between (a) HPV-related psychosocial burden and QoL and (b) HPV-related psychosocial burden and sexual function. Method The HPV Impact Profile, Female Sexual Function Index, General Health Questionnaire-28 and Life Satisfaction Inventory questionnaires were completed by 151 women. Results HPV-related psychosocial burden and general psychological health accounted for 23.2% of QoL variability. There was not strong evidence for a moderating effect of general psychological health on the relationship between HPV-related psychosocial burden and QoL. Higher HPV-related psychosocial burden predicted worse sexual function on average. However, HPV-related psychosocial burden accounted for only 4.1% of sexual function variability. Conclusions Higher HPV-related psychosocial burden is associated with lower QoL as well as worse sexual function. General psychological health predicts changes in QoL over and above HPV-related psychosocial burden; thus, a deep understanding of emerging mental health issues soon after diagnosis is crucial to improve counselling and enhance women’s mental empowerment to achieve a better psychological response.