Sexual behaviour and risk factors for the acquisition of human papillomavirus infections in young people in Italy: suggestions for future vaccination policies

Rosa Cristina Coppola,Daniela Amicizia,Roberto Gasparini,Giuseppina Masia,Piero Luigi Lai,Carla Maria Zotti,Donatella Panatto,Paolo Bonanni,Angela Bechini,Cecilia Trucchi,Andrea Piana,Paolo Castiglia,Sara Boccalini,Francesca Casabona,Emilia Tiscione,Angelo Meloni

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-623

Abstract

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The main risk factors correlated with HPV infection are: early sexual debut, the number of partners, frequency and type of sexual contact and partner’s sexual histories.We surveyed sexual habits among young people in order to provide information that might orient decision-makers in adopting HPV multi-cohort vaccination policies.MethodsWe administered a questionnaire to students (14–24 years old) in five Italian cities.Results7298 questionnaires were analyzed (4962 females and 2336 males); 55.3% of females (95% CI 53.9–56.7) and 52.5% of males (95% CI 50.5–54.5) reported regular sexual activity. The mean age at sexual debut was 15.7 ± 1.6 and 15.6 ± 1.6 for females and males, respectively, and the median age was 16 for both sexes.With regard to contraceptive use during the last year, 63.6% of males and 62.8% of females responded affirmatively; 42.6% of males and 42.8% of females used condoms.ConclusionThe results reveal precocious sexual activity among respondents, with the mean age at first intercourse declining as age decreases. Condom use proved to be scant. Considering lifestyle-related risk factors, males appear to have a higher probability of acquiring HPV infection than females.These data support the importance of promoting multi-cohort HPV vaccination strategies for females up to 25 years of age. It is essential to improve vaccination coverage through different broad-spectrum strategies, including campaigns to increase awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention.

Highlights

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection
This paper reports the results of a study of self-reported sexual behaviour in adolescents and young people aged 14–24 years in Italy
We noted a decrease in the mean age at first intercourse on comparing the various age-groups of the subjects (Table 2); in the 14–16 age-group, 47.5% of the sexually active females and 60.2% of the sexually active males reported having their first sexual intercourse before their 15th birthday, and a third of the interviewees aged 14– 16 years old declared that they already indulged in regular sexual activity

Summary

Introduction

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in sexually active adolescents and young people worldwide. All sexually active men and women are susceptible to acquiring genital HPV infection. The life-time risk of HPV infection is up to 80%. Most of these infections (up to 90%) are cleared within 2 years (12–24 months) and only a few become persistent [3]. The prevalence of HPV infection is highest among young women (18–24 years) soon after the onset of sexual activity, and falls gradually with age until the 4th-5th decade, when a second peak occurs for hormonal changes during perimenopause, followed by another decline [6]. Young subjects are exposed to HPV infection more often because of their sexual behaviour, and young women are more vulnerable than older women because the transformation zone is located on the ectocervix (cervical ectopy) [7]

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