HPV Infection in Rural Women in Southern India
Author Information
Author(s): Franceschi S, Rajkumar R, Snijders P J F, Arslan A, Mahé C, Plummer M, Sankaranarayanan R, Cherian J, Meijer C J L M, Weiderpass E
Primary Institution: International Agency for Research on Cancer
Hypothesis
To investigate the prevalence of, and the risk factors for, cervical infection with 44 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in a rural area in the Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of HPV infection among rural women in Dindigul District, with HPV 16 being the most common type.
Supporting Evidence
- HPV prevalence was found to be 16.9% overall.
- High-risk HPV types predominated, particularly HPV 16.
- HPV positivity was inversely associated with education level.
- Women who were widowed or divorced showed a higher proportion of HPV positivity.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many women in a rural area of India have a virus called HPV, which can cause cancer. They found that a lot of women have it, especially those who are older or have been married more than once.
Methodology
The study involved interviewing and obtaining cervical cell samples from 1891 married women aged 16–59 years in rural Tamil Nadu, India.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to non-participation of women who were not traced or refused to participate.
Limitations
The study may not represent all women in India as it focused on a specific rural area and excluded unmarried women.
Participant Demographics
Married women aged 16–59 years from rural Tamil Nadu, India.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.4–1.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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