E-ISSN: 2536-507X ISSN: 2149-7893
Evaluation of the Psychosocial Effects of Long-Term Genital HPV Infection
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Original Article
VOLUME: 5 ISSUE: 1
P: 88-92
March 2020

Evaluation of the Psychosocial Effects of Long-Term Genital HPV Infection

Cyprus J Med Sci 2020;5(1):88-92
DOI: 10.5152/cjms.2020.1625
Ali Şahan 1
Nermin Karaosmanoğlu 2
Erol Koç 3
1. Department of Dermatology, Doctor Al-Sa Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
2. Department of Dermatology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
3. Department of Dermatology, Medical Park Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
No information available.
No information available
Received Date: 25.12.2019
Accepted Date: 06.03.2020
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ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. This study purposed to evaluate the psychosocial effects of long-term genital HPV infection.

MATERIAL and METHODS

Overall, 77 male patients with genital HPV infection were included. The Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scales (STAI 1-2), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess the psychological burden of patients. In addition, they were evaluated by a psychiatrist.

RESULTS

The mean age was 37.68±11.67. The mean duration of the disease was 9.74±7.76 months. Overall, 51 patients (66.2%) had more than five lesions. The mean score of the DLQI scale was noted to be 4.58±4.42. Most patients (26; 33.8%) were classified as “small effect on patient’s life,” at a score of 2-5. STAI-1 mean score was 41.74±11.77. Thirty-eight patients (49.4%) were noted to be highly anxious. According to the STAI-2 scale, the mean score was 42.69±9.71, and most patients (40; 51.9%) were noted to be highly anxious. The mean score of BDI was 16.43±11.929, and 27 patients (35.1%) were noted to be moderately depressive. The psychiatrist assessed 14 patients (18.2%) as needing psychiatric medication.

CONCLUSION

Generally, patients suffering from genital HPV for longer than 3 months are affected negatively psychosocially. Therefore, physicians should approach the patient with kindness, compassion, and patience. In addition, an expert psychiatrist’s support should be sought if necessary.