Biological, demographic, and health factors associated with HPV infection in Ecuadorian women.

Objectives: The study aims to identify the correlation between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and sociodemographic and sexual reproductive health factors in Ecuadorian women from March to August 2019.
Methods: 120 women were randomly selected from two gynecological clinics to complete a questionnaire and provide a biospecimen. PCR-Hybridization was used to genotype 37 HPV serotypes in samples obtained by endo-cervical brushing for liquid-based cytology. Sociodemographic and sexual health data were collected through a validated questionnaire during a medical consultation. Mathematical modeling of HPV infection was done using bivariate logistic regression.
Results: 65.0% of the women sampled had an HPV infection; 74.3% of these women had co-infections with other HPV genotypes. Out of the women who were HPV positive, 75.6% were diagnosed with high-risk genotypes from HPV strains 18, 35, 52, and 66. Parity, immunosuppression, and use of oral contraception/intrauterine devices (IUDs) were identified as associated variables. The explanatory model had a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 73.8%.
Conclusion: The predominant strains of HPV among Ecuadorian women are diverse. The risk of HPV infection is a complex phenomenon where biological and psychosocial variables are integrated into a model. In populations with limited access to health services, low socioeconomic status, and negative sociocultural beliefs about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), surveys can be used as a pre-screening step for HPV infections. The diagnostic value of the model should be tested in multicenter studies that include women from all over the country.
Competing Interests: CR and JB were employed by Diagnostic Department, MEDsan, Inc., Saint Petersburg, FL, United States. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(Copyright © 2023 Roman, Andrade, Hernández, Salazar, Espinosa, Campoverde, Guallaizaca, Merchán, Sarmiento and Brenner.)