Prevalence and Determinants of High-risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Women with High Socioeconomic Status in Seoul, Republic of Korea

Abstract

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in women ofhigh socioeconomic status (SES) in Seoul, Republic of Korea and to identify risk factors. This study included13,386 women visiting a prestigious healthcare center located in Seoul between 2003 and 2008. High-riskHPV infections were detected in 994 (7%) and the age-standardized prevalence was 8%. Abnormal Papsmear results ≥ atypical squamous cells of unknown significance (ASCUS) were observed in 280 of 12,080women (2%). Based on univariate analysis, age, level of education and number of children were associatedwith high-risk HPV infections. Based on multivariate analysis, age and high-risk HPV infections had aninverse relationship. In women with high SES in Seoul, the prevalence of high-risk HPV infection was 7%and the age-standardized prevalence was 8%. Age was a strong determinant of high-risk HPV infection.