HPV Prevalence in South Wales
Author Information
Author(s): S Hibbitts, J Jones, N Powell, N Dallimore, J McRea, H Beer, A Tristram, H Fielder, A N Fiander
Primary Institution: Cardiff University
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) among women attending routine cervical screening in South Wales?
Conclusion
The overall HPV prevalence in South Wales is 13.5%, with significant findings related to age and cytological abnormalities.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall HPV prevalence was found to be 13.5%.
- HPV prevalence increased significantly with the degree of dyskaryosis.
- 46% of HR HPV cases were positive for HPV types targeted by the vaccines.
- 93% of the study population were cytology negative.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many women in South Wales have HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer, and found that 13.5% of them have it.
Methodology
Liquid-based cytology samples were collected from women attending routine cervical screening, and HPV screening was performed using PCR-EIA.
Potential Biases
The study's anonymous nature reduces bias, but it does not account for HPV status in women who do not attend screenings.
Limitations
The study only includes women who attended for screening, so it may not represent the HPV status of non-attendees.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 38 years; 66% of HR HPV cases were in women aged 30 years or less.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 11.3–15.9%
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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