Sexual behaviour and risk factors for the acquisition of human papillomavirus infections in young people in Italy: suggestions for future vaccination policies

Abstract

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The main risk factors correlated with HPV infection are: early sexual debut, the number of partners, frequency and type of sexual contact and partner’s sexual histories.We surveyed sexual habits among young people in order to provide information that might orient decision-makers in adopting HPV multi-cohort vaccination policies.MethodsWe administered a questionnaire to students (14–24 years old) in five Italian cities.Results7298 questionnaires were analyzed (4962 females and 2336 males); 55.3% of females (95% CI 53.9–56.7) and 52.5% of males (95% CI 50.5–54.5) reported regular sexual activity. The mean age at sexual debut was 15.7 ± 1.6 and 15.6 ± 1.6 for females and males, respectively, and the median age was 16 for both sexes.With regard to contraceptive use during the last year, 63.6% of males and 62.8% of females responded affirmatively; 42.6% of males and 42.8% of females used condoms.ConclusionThe results reveal precocious sexual activity among respondents, with the mean age at first intercourse declining as age decreases. Condom use proved to be scant. Considering lifestyle-related risk factors, males appear to have a higher probability of acquiring HPV infection than females.These data support the importance of promoting multi-cohort HPV vaccination strategies for females up to 25 years of age. It is essential to improve vaccination coverage through different broad-spectrum strategies, including campaigns to increase awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer in Northeastern Thailand: Detailed Analyses of Sexual and Smoking Behavior

“…In the present study, the mean age at the first sexual intercourse was 20.85 years compared to 17.6-18.0 years in Northern Thailand (Allen et al, 2003;Liu et al, 2006), 13.0-16.2 in America (Zelnik et al, 1983;Coker et al, 1994;De Genna et al, 2011), 14.0-16.8 in Europe (Andersson-Ellstrom et al, 1996Wellings et al, 1996;Edgardh, 2000;Woynarowska et al, 2006;Panatto et al, 2012) and 13.5-17.8 in Africa (Kayembe et al, 2008 ;Dingeta et al, 2012;Doku, 2012;Remes et al, 2012). The delay of first sexual intercourse in the current study may have been influenced by Thai traditional culture, in which early experience with sexual intercourse is considered socially unacceptable (Sridawruang et al, 2010;Supametaporn et al, 2010).…”

“…A base substitution at codon 72 of exon 4 of gene p53 that results in either arginine (Arg; CGC) or proline (Pro; CCC) has been identified as polymorphic in human populations (Matlashewski et al, 1987;Dybikowska et al, 2000;Comar et al, 2004;Klug et al, 2009). The association of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism with an increased susceptibility for development of cancer has been examined for many sites (e.g., lung cancer (Piao et al, 2011), gastric cancer (Perez-Perez et al, 2005), and endometrial cancer (Roh et al, 2004)). The HPV E6 oncogene protein binds to TP53 and promotes dysfunction of its activity.…”

Chlamydia trachomatisprevalence and chlamydial/HPV co-infection among HPV-unvaccinated young Italian females with normal cytology

“…This suggests the need to strengthen health education, counseling and other preventive measures before sexual debut, which has been estimated to be around 15 y old. 37 An association between Ct and HR HPV genotypes has been described previously. 19 As expected, the most frequently detected HPV genotype among our subjects co-infected with Ct was HPV-16, and most of co-infections involved at least one HPV genotype belonging to groups 1, 2A or 2B of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).…”

Expression of human papillomavirus E6 and E7 oncoprotein mRNA in women with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or less

“…Most of the infections caused by HPV are of benign evolution and 80-90% is temporary, being eliminated spontaneously by the host organism within 10-18 months; persistence is liable to occur in only 20% of cases, leading to the onset of early lesions and cervical cancer (Kjaer et al, 2002;Plummer et al, 2007;Smith et al, 2007;Winer et al, 2011;Panatto et al, 2012).…”