Background HPV-related external genital lesions are the most common outcome of HPV infection, a sexual transmitted disease responsible by low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and 99% of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HPV-related lesions and associated factors in the Brazilian young adult population.

Methods We included 7,694 unvaccinated people from 16 to 25 years recruited from primary care units and submitted to interview, genital examination and cervical/penile sampling. Linear Array^® Test (Roche) was used for HPV detection and genotyping.

Results The prevalence of HPV-related lesions was 4% (234), being more frequent in men (5.8%) than women (2.3%). From those, 63% (p<0.03) were positive to HPV. The HPV genotyping distribution comprised all the 37 HPV types tested. However, the more frequent types were the 16 (12.5%), 6 (9.2%), 11 (8.8%), 62 (8.7%), 58 (8.4%), 52 (8.2%) and 51 (8%). Number of sexual partners in the last year (p=0.0005), multiple HPV infection (p<0.0247), smoking (p=0.04), use of hormonal contraceptives (p=0.04) and presence of other STIs (p<0.0001) were associated with the presence of lesion.

Conclusion We found a high prevalence of genital lesion in this young adult population. As expected, most participants were HPV positive. Although HPV 16 was not usually related to external lesions, it was the most frequent HPV type found followed by HPV 6 and 11. Sexual behavior, smoking and hormonal contraception were the main factors associated with genital lesions. Increase awareness about healthy sexual behaviors and immunization coverage should be used as a target to prevent HPV infection and related lesions in the young Brazilian population.

Disclosure No significant relationships.