Prevalence and types of cervical human papillomavirus among Turkish women and its relationship with demographic factors in a gynecology outpatient clinic.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of various human papillomavirus (HPV) types and its relationship with some risk factors among Turkish women.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 673 patients were included in the study. Cervical samples were taken from the patients for routine Pap smear and HPV DNA tests. HPV DNA was studied in the cervical smear by using the PCR method.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 40 ± 10.9 years. Of all patients, 13.5% had a positive HPV DNA test. In addition, 5.1% of the patients were HPV type 16 positive, 1.5% were HPV type 18 positive, 0.6% were HPV type 31 positive, and 0.9% were HPV type 53 positive.

CONCLUSION

Findings show that awareness should be raised among Turkish women regarding HPV infection and vaccination.