Risk level, knowledge, and preventive behavior for human papillomaviruses among sexually active college women.

During the past decade, there has been mounting scientific evidence linking human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical cancer and, at the same time, a great increase in physician consultations for HPV infections. HPV infection risk factors include multiple sex partners, early age at first intercourse, history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and smoking. This study surveyed 263 sexually active college women and concluded that (1) they are at considerable risk for contracting HPV, (2) they lack awareness of HPV, and (3) they are not practicing preventive behaviors that could reduce their risk of HPV and its serious consequences.