Determinants of genital wart case detection rates among STD clinic attendees in Athens, Greece.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To report significant sociodemographic and behavioral outpatient characteristics associated with the diagnosis of genital warts.

METHODS

Cross-sectional hospital-based study (1990-96).

RESULTS

Genital warts (n = 2988, 51.2%) represent the leading sexually transmitted disease (STD) among 5831 consecutive symptomatic Greek and foreign immigrant STD outpatients. In Greek heterosexuals a low rate of partner change was the main patient characteristic at diagnosis (median: one partner in the past 6 months). Lower detection rate and riskier behavior characterized immigrants. Although associated with risky behavior, homo/bisexual orientation in males and injecting drug use were not significantly associated with condyloma diagnosis in the context of STDs.

CONCLUSION

Broader health education and secondary prevention are needed to control this infection, whereas low-risk behavior in Greek heterosexuals with condylomata facilitates further preventive interventions.