Open AccessPrevalence of cervical human papillomavirus infection and types among women immigrated to Sicily, Italy
Author(s) -
GIOVANNELLI LUCIA,
VASSALLO ROSITA,
MATRANGA DOMENICA,
AFFRONTI MARIO,
CALECA MARIA PIA,
BELLAVIA CARMELINA,
PERINO ANTONIO,
AMMATUNA PIETRO
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1080/00016340902952318
Subject(s) - medicine , human papillomavirus , hpv infection , cervical cancer , gynecology , genotype , obstetrics , immigration , observational study , young adult , demography , cancer , gene , genetics , biology , history , archaeology , sociology
Abstract We determined the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infection and HPV genotypes among 115 women immigrating to Sicily (Italy), with regard to abnormal cytology and socio‐behavioral characteristics in a cross‐sectional, observational study. Information was collected with the help of cultural mediators/translators. HPV‐DNA was assayed by the INNOLiPA HPV assay and a nested PCR/sequencing method. Sixty (52.2%) women came from sub‐Saharan Africa and 55 (47.8%) from Eastern Europe. HPV infection was found in 55 (47.8%) women. The most frequent types were the oncogenic types HPV‐16 (7.8%), HPV‐18 and 51 (6.0% each), HPV‐52 (5.2%), 31, 53, and 68 (4.3% each). Twenty‐seven (23.5%) women had cytological abnormalities associated with HPV infection ( p = 0.04). Being single (OR = 2.98; 95%CI: 1.30–6.84) and parity (OR = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.12–0.65) were consistent predictors of HPV infection. Only 21 (18.2%) women returned to collect the results of their Pap and HPV tests. The high prevalence of HPV infection and oncogenic types among immigrant women make them a priority group for cervical cancer screening. Linguistically and culturally appropriate prevention efforts are needed to sensitize immigrant women regarding HPV‐related issues and to conduct vaccine strategies for cervical cancer prevention.