Abstract
The most frequent risk factors related to the infection/persistence
of HPV in the population are an early start of sexual activity,
the number of sexual partners, smoking, and the utilization of
some contraceptive methods. In Italy, HPV vaccine is offered free
of charge to all 12 year-old female adolescents, with a possible
extension to other age groups according to Regional policies.
In order to value the suitability of the current HPV vaccination
strategies in Italy, an epidemiological study on sexual habits in
adolescents and young adults was organized. An anonymous questionnaire
on sexual behavior and risk factors for HPV infection
was administered to 2300 students aged 13-24 years attending
secondary schools and universities in Tuscany during 2008-09.
About 12% of the sample declared to be foreign citizen.
The results highlight the early start of sexual activity among young
students. Particularly, more than half of the interviewed students
declared to be already sexually active. The mean and the median
age of the first sexual intercourse was 15.4 ± 1.4 years and 15
years (25th and 75th percentiles = 14-16), respectively. More than
77% of students at age 16 years declared they already had the
first sexual intercourse, compared with 0.3% of those inf. 12 years.
Generally, females aged 13-16-years, if sexually active, had sexual
contacts with a single partner.
Most students declared to know common contraceptive methods
(male condom and contraceptive pill). However, only half of them
declared a regular use of male condom. These data confirm the
importance of vaccination against HPV for young females before
their sexual debut. In addition, the current multi-cohort strategy
of HPV vaccination in Tuscany (free of charge in the age range
12-16 years) allows also to catch up those girls that have not yet
had their first sexual experiences before 16 years (21.5% according
to our study) but also to those girls already sexually active,
who very rarely are already infected by all vaccine types at 16
years. Our results also show the importance of sexual health education
and of promotion of correct behaviours in schools.
