Estimation of the incidence of genital warts and the cost of illness in Germany: A cross-sectional study
2008

Incidence and Costs of Genital Warts in Germany

Sample size: 617 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hillemanns Peter, Breugelmans J Gabrielle, Gieseking Friederike, Bénard Stève, Lamure Emilie, Littlewood Kavi J, Petry Karl U

Primary Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover

Hypothesis

What is the incidence of genital warts in Germany and what are the associated costs of illness?

Conclusion

The societal burden and costs of managing and treating genital warts in Germany are considerable.

Supporting Evidence

  • The incidence of new genital warts was 113.7 per 100,000 for women aged 14–65.
  • The total annual cost of genital warts in Germany was estimated at 54.1 million euros.
  • Most patients (71%) in the study were women.
  • Mean direct cost per patient with new genital warts was estimated at 378 euros.
  • Vaccination could significantly reduce the costs associated with genital warts.

Takeaway

This study found that many people in Germany have genital warts, which can be expensive to treat.

Methodology

A multi-centre observational (cross-sectional) study involving data collection from specialists treating patients with genital warts.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to non-participation of some physicians who may have seen more patients with genital warts.

Limitations

The study may underestimate the true incidence of genital warts due to biases in patient selection and data collection.

Participant Demographics

The study included 384 women (62%) and 233 men (38%) with a mean age of 32 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 310.8–444.9

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2334-8-76

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