Screening for human papillomavirus infection in asymptomatic women in Hungary

BACKGROUND: A multicentre epidemiological survey was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, persistent cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women in Hungary. METHODS and RESULTS: A total of 728 women were examined for the prevalence of HPV. The estimated overall rate of HPV infection was 17%. In univariate analysis the strongest predictors were young age (< or =24 years), unmarried family status, smoking, a pathological Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, having a condyloma and previous gynaecological cancer in the family (age and marital status being the most important predictors). In multiple regression analysis, young age (< or =24 years)(odds ratio = 1.86, 95% confidence interval = 1.19-2.90, P < 0.01), smoking (1.78, 1.17-2.71, P < 0.05), an abnormal Pap smear (6.92, 2.68-17.84, P < 0.001), having a condyloma (4.22, 1.42-12.58, P < 0.01) and living in a region where the unemployment rate is relatively high (1.56, 1.24-2.82, P < 0.01) were associated risk factors for HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV infection in young women in Hungary is high. Screening for HPV is suggested only in women with an unfavourable gynaecological history who are < or =24 years old.