Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Risk Factors Among Iraqi Women Attending Gynecology Clinics A Cross-Sectional Study at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Najaf, Iraq
Author(s):
Hawraa Dheyaa Rasool
Date: 08/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890
Abstract
Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequently transmitted sexually transmitted
infection in the world, and it is a known contributor to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer, which is a serious
public health issue in developing countries like Iraq, is associated with HPV. Even though it is clinically
important, there is little evidence on the risk factors associated with HPV infection in Iraqi women,
especially at the governorate level.
Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify the prevalence of risk factors for HPV and the
sociodemographic characteristics associated with those risk factors among women who visited
gynecology clinics at the Al-Sadr Teaching hospital in Najaf, Iraq.
Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted over a seven-month period between September 2025
and March 2026. In this study, a total of 250 women aged 18 and older were recruited through systematic
random sampling. Data were collected with a structured interview-administered questionnaire, which
included sociodemographic data, reproductive history, sexual behaviours, hygiene practices, tobacco use,
Pap smear history, and knowledge of and vaccination against HPV. The data were analysed using SPSS
version 26 and descriptive statistics with Chi-square tests.
Results: The overall mean age of the women who were surveyed was 33.4 +/- 9.2 years of age. The most
common risk factors were early first marriage (< 18 years of age) in 23.2% of respondents, high parity (6
or more births) in 22.0% of respondents, previous STI infections in 17.2% of respondents and past use of
oral contraceptives in 38.8% of females. There were 70.4% of respondents who had never received a Pap
smear test. 72.8% of the respondents were unaware of HPV and HPV vaccinations. The rate of vaccination
against HPV was 3.6%.
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