Concurrent and Concordant Oral and Genital High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in the United States: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background Oropharyngeal cancers associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection are increasing in the United States, especially among men. We evaluated the prevalence and predictors of concurrent (genital and oral) and concordant (same-type) HR-HPV infections in the United States. Methods We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2016. Predictors were assessed via multivariable logistic regression. Results Among 10 334 respondents, 172 (2.1%) had concurrent infections (109 [3.5%] men and 63 [0.76%] women]. Ninety-three (1.0%) had concordant infections (54 [1.6%] men and 39 [0.5%] women). Predictors of concurrence in men included the following: no longer married versus married (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–4.9), living with a partner versus married (3.0; 1.2–7.5), and having 2–5 lifetime oral sex partners (3.0; 1.2–7.5). In women they included the following: no longer married versus married (3.6; 1.3–10.3), ≥2 recent sex partners (4.6; 1.4–15.6 for 2–5 partners and 3.9; 1.1–14.3 for ≥6 partners), and marijuana use (2.2; 1.0–4.5). The predictor of concordance in men and women was no longer married versus married (3.5; 1.2–9.9 in men and 3.2; 1.1–9.4 in women). Conclusions Concurrent and concordant HR-HPV infections occur at a high rate, especially among men, and are associated with behavioral factors. This underscores the importance of HPV vaccination, screening, and education in men.