INTRODUCTION: The new quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) can prevent a large number of cervical cancer cases and most cases of genital warts. Genital warts are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases in Denmark and constitute a considerable burden to the health care system as well as to the individual patient. The aim of this study is to examine the ways in which genital warts may affect the patient's quality of life. The results are important in relation to treatment as well as counselling of patients suffering from genital warts. The results are particularly relevant to decisions concerning the introduction of HPV vaccination of men as well as women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative research design was applied using focus group interviews with male and female genital wart patients aged 18-30 years. The study was based on a literature review which identified the important issues and questions presented to the participants. RESULTS: The participants in the study have a significantly lowered quality of life due to their genital warts. The disease negatively affects them psychologically, socially and in their sex and love life in particular. The course of treatment is a burden because of the uncertain time-line and the varying effectiveness. There is much need for more information and communication about the disease and its psycho-sexual aspects. CONCLUSION: The development of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine is a milestone in the prevention of both cervical cancer and genital warts. The knowledge of genital warts is limited despite the prevalence of the disease and its severe effects on the patient's quality of life. This study indicates that HPV vaccination of both sexes would have a marked positive effect on the mental burden associated with the disease.
INTRODUCTION: The new quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) can prevent a large number of cervical cancer cases and most cases of genital warts. Genital warts are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases in Denmark and constitute a considerable burden to the health care system as well as to the individual patient. The aim of this study is to examine the ways in which genital warts may affect the patient's quality of life. The results are important in relation to treatment as well as counselling of patients suffering from genital warts. The results are particularly relevant to decisions concerning the introduction of HPV vaccination of men as well as women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative research design was applied using focus group interviews with male and female genital wart patients aged 18-30 years. The study was based on a literature review which identified the important issues and questions presented to the participants. RESULTS: The participants in the study have a significantly lowered quality of life due to their genital warts. The disease negatively affects them psychologically, socially and in their sex and love life in particular. The course of treatment is a burden because of the uncertain time-line and the varying effectiveness. There is much need for more information and communication about the disease and its psycho-sexual aspects. CONCLUSION: The development of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine is a milestone in the prevention of both cervical cancer and genital warts. The knowledge of genital warts is limited despite the prevalence of the disease and its severe effects on the patient's quality of life. This study indicates that HPV vaccination of both sexes would have a marked positive effect on the mental burden associated with the disease.