Age-dependent HPV prevalence in the Netherlands
Author Information
Author(s): Coupé V M H, Berkhof J, Bulkmans N W J, Snijders P J F, Meijer C J L M
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Centre
Hypothesis
What is the age-dependent prevalence of high-risk HPV types in the Netherlands?
Conclusion
The prevalence of high-risk HPV types peaks at age 22 and decreases with age, indicating the importance of screening and vaccination.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall hrHPV prevalence peaked at the age of 22 with a peak prevalence of 24%.
- Each of the 14 hrHPV types decreased significantly with age.
- In women eligible for routine screening with confirmed CIN2+, 65% were infected with HPV16 and/or HPV18.
- The positive predictive value of cytology for detecting CIN2+ decreased significantly when HPV16/18-positive infections were excluded.
Takeaway
This study found that young people are more likely to have certain types of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer, so it's important to get vaccinated and screened.
Methodology
Data from 45,362 women aged 18-65 were collected, including cytological and hrHPV testing.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from self-selection of women for screening outside the routine age range.
Limitations
The study may have bias due to opportunistic screening in women outside the routine screening age range.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 18-65 years from the Netherlands.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0009 to 0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI=0.67–0.85
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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