Prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus is associated with p16 expression and irregular menstrual cycles among married Jordanian women

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer worldwide. In this study, we used immunohistochemical methods to investigate the prevalence of HPV among Jordanian women who visited local gynaecological clinics. Expression of HPV and p16 protein was analysed to assess the high-risk prevalence of the virus. Accordingly, HPV was positively expressed in 41% (57 out of 140) of the cases and expression of p16 was found in 28% (39 out of 140) of the cases. Factor analysis showed that irregular cycles increased the chances of HPV by 13.342-fold (p = 0.001) and p16 expression by 17.091-fold (p < 0.001). Age-adjusted odds ratios were 12.923-fold for HPV (p = 0.002) and 16.986-fold for p16 expression (p < 0.001). In conclusion, awareness, screening, and vaccination are key preventive measures in the fight against HPV and cervical cancer are important in conservative countries such as Jordan.

Cervical human papillomavirus; p16; Menstrual cycle; Age-adjusted odds ratio.

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