A survey on prevalence, risk factors and knowledge for oral human papillomavirus infections among university students

Abstract

Aim: This study analyses the prevalence, risk factors and knowledge levels for oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in healthy university students. Materials & methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 452 participants. Also, oral-rinsed samples were collected for molecular screening and genotyping studies by using validated protocols. Results: The prevalence of HPV was 0.7% (HPV type 72var [0.5%; n = 2] and HPV type 13 [0.2%; n = 1]). Male circumcision and age of first sexual experience were the significant factors associated with oral HPV positivity. Several factors found to be predictors for HPV positivity including not being vaccinated. Conclusion: Here, the prevalence of oral HPV infection was low among a healthy sample pool. Further studies are suggested to clarify relations between the infection and risk factors.