A population-based study of the prevalence of HPV in three districts of Tamil Nadu, India

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of HPV infection among women from three districts of Tamil Nadu (Erode, Salem, and Namakkal). Methods Between January 27, 2007, and December 15, 2009, 1800 women aged 20-70 years who had normal cervical cytology were enrolled into a cross-sectional study. Participants completed interviews and provided first void urine samples for assessment of HPV infection. Results Among 1699 eligible samples, 179 (10.5%) were HPV positive. HPV16 was the most common type (affecting 68 [4.0%] women), followed by HPV6 (58 [3.4%]). Among the 179 HPV-positive women, 71 (39.7%) were aged 36-45 years. An annual income of less than 25 000 INR was significantly associated with HPV infection in all three districts (P < 0.05). Regular intercourse was also associated with HPV in Erode and Salem (P < 0.05). Conclusion Screening and prophylactic vaccines containing HPV16 and HPV6 should be promoted in western Tamil Nadu.