Prevalence and correlates of cervical HPV infection in a clinic-based sample of HIV-positive Hispanic women

Abstract

Objectives: Puerto Rico (PR), is the fifth highest jurisdiction of the United States of America (US) with respect to HIV prevalence and the leading in cervical cancer incidence. This cross-sectional study describes the prevalence and correlates of cervical HPV infection among a clinic-based sample of 302 women living with HIV/AIDS in PR. Methods: Data collection included questionnaires, blood and cervical samples. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the magnitude of association (adjusted Prevalence odds ratio [aPOR]) between HPV cervical infection and other covariates. Results: Mean age of participants was 40.3 years (± 10.3 SD). The prevalence of HPV infection was 50.3%; 41.1% for low-risk types and 29.5% for high-risk types. Having ≥ 10 lifetime sexual partners (aPOR = 2.10, 95% CI:1.02–4.29), an abnormal Pap (aPOR = 3.58, 95% CI:1.93–6.62), active genital warts (aPOR = 3.45, 95% CI:1.60–7.42), and CD4 counts ≤ 200 (aPOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.67–10.78) were positively associated with any cervical HPV infection. Similar results were observed for HR HPV infection. Conclusions: A high burden of HPV co-infection exists among women living with HIV/AIDS in this population. Given the high incidence of HIV in PR and the higher risk of cervical cancer among women living with HIV/AIDS, HPV vaccination should be promoted in this population. Keywords: HIV, HPV, Cervix, Hispanic women, Puerto Rico