Poor Women Are at Elevated Risk for HPV Infection, but Few Variables Predict Risk Among Those in Poverty

Abstract

In this study, the prevalence and predictors of human paid (HPV) infection among women with varying socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were evaluated [USA]. Subjects included 1921 women aged 14-59 years who submitted a self-collected vaginal fluid specimen for HPV testing. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to examine significant correlations. On average, the study participants were aged 36 years, half were married, most were white (69%), and had at least a high school education (78%); 18% had a household income that was below the poverty line for their household size. Results showed that 16% of the participants were positive for at least one high-risk type of HPV. The prevalence of infection with any HPV type linked to cervical cancer was significantly higher among women living in poverty. It also varied markedly by age, race and marital status. An initial multivariate analysis indicated that women aged 18-21 years, those aged 22-25 years, and those aged 30-39 years had significantly higher odds of high-risk HPV infection than those aged 40 years or older (odds ratios: 2.0, 3.1 and 1.8, respectively). The odds were higher among formerly married, never-married, and originating women than among their married peers (1.9-2.6), and were lower among Mexican Americans than among whites (0.6). In near analysis, associations between the prevalence of high-risk HPV infection and race varied by poverty status. However, the data suggested that such differences may have been at least partly attributable to differences in marital status or income. Stratified models revealed that the likelihood of infection among women living below the poverty line was higher in whites and unmarried women. For those living above the poverty line, risk of HPV infection was higher among unmarried and black women, and was inversely associated with annual income. These results emphasize that preventive interventions must ensure that all low-income women have enhanced access to HPV vaccines, as well as education and other preventive services.