Self-care measures and genotyping of human papillomavirus in women from Cervical Pathology Unit, Hospital Carlos Van Buren

Abstract

Objective: To identify the biosocial characteristics, self-care measures and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in women with altered Pap at the first consultation at the Cervical Pathology Unit, in Hospital Carlos Van Buren, Valparaiso, 2013.

Methods: Quantitative, descriptive and transversal. Approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital Carlos Van Buren. Fifty women provided informed consent and answered a questionnaire. Cervical samples were taken for HPV genotyping performed by PCR and hybridization.

Results: 26% of women were aged between 25-34 years, 58% finished high school, 66% had their first sexual encounter between 15-19 years, 48% tested positive for high risk HPV, 26% have a history of other sexually transmitted infections, 26% do not undertake regular Pap exams and 90% do not use condoms.

Discussion: Knowledge of biosocial characteristics of this population permits examination of government strategies in HPV prevention and thus the development of cervical cancer, such as: sex education, healthy lifestyles, strategies for access to Pap testing, among others. In addition, it is necessary to expand research on issues that contribute to the sexual life of women and society.