Prevalence and management of condylomas in consulting population in Chile: “diacon study”

Abstract

Introduction: Condylomas or genital warts (GW) are the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in STI centers in Chile, but there are no population statistics available. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of GW in patients from 18-60 years of age who attend outpatient dermatology, gynecology and urology practice; the demographic characteristics of the patients and the diagnostic and treatment tools. Methods: A sample of Chilean specialists stratified by region, population and gender of patients was provided with a logbook and answered a questionnaire. Results: The GW prevalence was 2.44% for the whole group; 3.76% for the 18-34 age group and 1.29% for the 35-60 years group (p = 0.0000). The average age of patients with GW was 29.4 years in women and 32.7 years in men (p = 0.019). The distribution by age was different according to gender and health system. Visual inspection was the most frequent diagnostic method used and imiquimod cream the most common treatment, however, there were differences in the use of diagnostic and therapeutic tools according to the patient’s gender, specialty of the doctor and health system. Conclusions: The high prevalence of GW confirmed the need and importance of public health interventions to address this problem.