International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is a key etiological factor in cervical cancer. While screening strategies vary globally, the role of HPV DNA testing as a primary screening tool continues to be refined, particularly across different age groups. Age stratified screening for high risk HPV Type 16 and 18 is a paramount importance as persistent infection of these two strains are responsible for nearly 80 to 85% of cervical cancers worldwide.
Objective: The main objective of this study is to compare the necessity of age stratified high risk HPV DNA testing in women of different age group. To analyse the data and to get an overall insight to proper utilization of the resources while screening for cervical cancer especially in the third world countries where availability of resources is a main obstacle in providing the proper preventive health care services.
Methods: This observational study analysis was conducted using equipment PathoDetectTM HPV from Mylab Company for RTPCR amplification of specific target sequence E6/7 region of HPV 16 and 18 and detected by target specific probe data from 1825women of different age group who attended the Gynaec OPD of the hospital for screening. Patients were stratified in to six age groups. High risk HPV DNA testing for type 16 and 18 was done and results were compared between the groups. SPSS version 24 was used for statistical analysis, descriptive statistics was used to calculate frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and HPV positivity rates. Chi–Square used as inferential Statistics for significance.
Results: Among the 1825 women tested, 403were aged 18 to 30 years out of which 14 were tested positive, 514 were between 31 to 40 years and 12 tested positive, 498 were between 41 to 50 years and16 tested positive, 253 were between 51 to 60 years and 7 tested positive, 95 were between 61 to 70 years 2 tested positive and 62 were aged > 71years and one tested positive. Over all positivity rate among 1825 is 52 with over all positivity rate of 2.85% and p-value across all group is < 0.0001.
Conclusion: High risk HPV DNA positivity is significantly higher in women aged younger (18-30 yrs.) than the older age group, highlighting the increased necessity for the routine high risk HPV DNA testing in this age group. Tailored screening protocols based on age may optimize detection and resource allocation.