Frecuencia de infección por virus del papiloma humano y factores asociados en mujeres asintomáticas atendidas en una unidad de salud familiar de Ciudad del Este, Paraguay

Alma Graciela González de Lamas; Noelia Teresa Pérez Sosa; Cristian Armando Gauto Martínez; Rubén Darío Ibarrola Valenzuela; Óscar Darío Aquino Martínez; Héctor Adrián Franco; Alcides Chaux

doi:10.1590/SciELOPreprints.12048

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Alma Graciela González de Lamas Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Sol, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2344-7409
Noelia Teresa Pérez Sosa Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Sol, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0041-8358
Cristian Armando Gauto Martínez Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Sol, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2808-7119
Rubén Darío Ibarrola Valenzuela Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Sol, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay
Óscar Darío Aquino Martínez Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Sol, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4891-4026
Héctor Adrián Franco Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Sol, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8408-6667
Alcides Chaux Universidad del Sol https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5824-9867

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.12048

Keywords:

Human Papillomavirus, HPV, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Asymptomatic Women, Paraguay

Abstract

Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and the main cause of cervical cancer. In Paraguay, this cancer represents a significant disease burden. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of HPV infection and associated factors in asymptomatic women in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 127 asymptomatic women (mean age 41.0 ± 9.6 years) attending the Barrio Santa Ana Family Health Unit, Ciudad del Este, during 2024 for voluntary HPV testing. Sociodemographic, gynecological-obstetric, behavioral, and background data were collected through medical record review. HPV detection was performed by Hybrid Capture. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for association analysis (p<0.05).

Results: The frequency of HPV infection was 14.2% (95% CI: 8.6% - 21.5%). A statistically significant association was found between HPV infection and frequent alcohol consumption (p=0.024; Cramer’s V=0.207), earlier age at menarche (median 12 vs 13 years; p=0.042; r=0.353), and more sexual partners (median 3 vs. 2; p=0.001; r=0.728). No significant associations were found with age, marital status, educational level, number of children, smoking, contraceptive use, or family history of cancer.

Conclusion: The frequency of HPV in this population of asymptomatic women is considerable. Frequent alcohol consumption, early menarche, and more sexual partners were identified as important risk factors. These findings underscore the need to strengthen primary and secondary prevention strategies, including focused health education and promotion of cervical screening.