FREQUENCY OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ASYMPTOMATIC WOMEN TREATED AT A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT IN CIUDAD DEL ESTE, PARAGUAY

Abstract

This study determined the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and associated factors in 127 asymptomatic women from Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in 2024. The HPV frequency was 14.2%. Significant associations were found with frequent alcohol consumption, an earlier menarche (median of 12 years in positive vs. 13 in negative), and a higher number of sexual partners (median of 3 in positive vs. 2 in negative). No associations were found with age, marital status, educational level, number of children, smoking, contraceptive use, or family history of cancer. The results suggest a considerable burden of HPV in this population and highlight the importance of alcoholism, early menarche, and promiscuity as risk factors. The need to strengthen health education, primary prevention (vaccination), and cervical screening in Paraguay to reduce the disease burden is emphasized.