JAMA
Eileen F. Dunne, MD, MPH; Elizabeth R. Unger, PhD, MD; Maya Sternberg, PhD; Geraldine McQuillan, PhD; David C. Swan, PhD; Sonya S. Patel, BS; Lauri E. Markowitz, MD
JAMA. 2007;297:813-819.
ABSTRACT
Context – Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is estimated to be the most common sexually transmitted infection. Baseline population prevalence data for HPV infection in the United States before widespread availability of a prophylactic HPV vaccine would be useful.
Objective – To determine the prevalence of HPV among females in the United States.
Design, Setting, and Participants – The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) uses a representative sample of the US noninstitutionalized civilian population. Females aged 14 to 59 years who were interviewed at home for NHANES 2003-2004 were examined in a mobile examination center and provided a self-collected vaginal swab specimen. Swabs were analyzed for HPV DNA by L1 consensus polymerase chain reaction followed by type-specific hybridization. Demographic and sexual behavior information was obtained from all participants.