The relationship between human papilloma virus and anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction in women

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the impact of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) positivity on women's mental health and sexual dysfunction (SD). Anxiety, hopelessness, and depression were investigated in this study as common psychological problems. This prospective cross-sectional case-control study was done on 213 participants who attended gynecology clinic from February 2021 to May 2022. The Turkish version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)-6 was used to measure SD in women. The Turkish version of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) was used to measure depression, anxiety and hopelessness in women. According to the HPV test results, the subjects were divided into two groups: 1st group as HPV positive and 2 nd group as HPV negative. 97 women in the 1st group and 116 patients in the 2nd group were included in the study. The participants' age and body mass index (BMI) were 33.91±3.74 and 24.88±3.01, respectively. There was a significant difference between HPV-positive and HPV-negative women in FSFI total scores and all subdomains (p-value<0.05). There was a significant difference in BDI, BHS, and BAI (p-value<0.05). There was a significant correlation between the FSFI and BAI in HPV-positive group. There was a significant correlation between the FSFI and BAI in HPV-negative group. There was a significant correlation between the FSFI and BDI in HPV-negative group. The health system should support women with HPV in terms of mental health. These women are more exposed to depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and SD.