Objectives
The incidence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas is increasing. Oral HPV infection is acquired through oro‐genital contact. We examined the association between barrier use during oro‐genital sex and oral HPV 16/18 prevalence in HPV unvaccinated individuals.
Methods
A cross‐sectional analysis of individuals aged 18–59 years with a history of oro‐genital sex was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for gender, total number of oro‐genital sex partners, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Using NHANES sample weights, analysis was weighted for national representation.
Results
Sample of 4,357 individuals represented 68,680,333 individuals nationally. 6.6% reported always or usually using a barrier during oro‐genital sex, and 1.3% were positive for oral HPV 16/18 infection. In the adjusted analysis, barrier users were less likely to be oral HPV 16/18 positive, as compared to those who did not report using a barrier (RR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.04–0.97; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Using barrier during oro‐genital sex might help to reduce oral HPV 16/18 prevalence. Hence, the use of a barrier should be promoted not only during vaginal but also during oro‐genital sex. This finding is particularly important among HPV unvaccinated individuals.