The Effect of Human Papillomavirus on Self-Esteem and Sexuality in Women

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigates how human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity affects self-esteem and sexual satisfaction in women. Methods: The research cohort comprised women aged 25 to 50 years attending the Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Outpatient Clinic at Afyonkarahisar State Hospital. Demographic variables such as age, smoking habits, and HPV type were collected. Each participant completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W). Results: A significant positive correlation emerged between self-esteem and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.714; 95% CI: 0.643-0.773; p < 0.001), suggesting that elevated selfesteem corresponds with higher sexual satisfaction. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed no statistically significant association between HPV genotype and low selfesteem (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.40-2.28; p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that women with HPV type 16/18 positivity may experience lower self-esteem than those with other HPV genotypes. However, as the study had limited statistical power (approximate to 41%), these genotype-specific findings should be considered exploratory and interpreted with caution.