[Human papillomavirus infection, a possible biological marker of sexual behavior among university students].
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among university students and to use it as a biological marker to assess sexual behavior.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out between 2000 and 2001 among 194 students at Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Mexico. A data collection instrument was applied and genital samples were taken to detect oncogenic HPV DNA. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test and odds ratios.


RESULTS
Overall HPV prevalence was 14.4%. Women who had had two or more sexual partners during the previous year showed a greater risk of HPV infection (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7-21.1), as did women who had used oral contraceptives and spermicides at their latest intercourse (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-8.7). Males who consumed cocaine were at a greater risk of HPV infection (OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.3-45.1).


CONCLUSIONS
HPV prevalence is relatively high. HPV is a reliable biological marker of sexual behavior among females. A greater sample size may be needed to assess its reliability among men.
Sánchez-Alemán
Miguel A
MA
Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
Uribe-Salas
Felipe
F
Conde-González
Carlos J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D015415:Biomarkers; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000821:virology; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D010413:Penis / Q000821:virology; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D014626:Vaginal Smears
D015415:Biomarkers; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004279:DNA, Viral; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents