Demographic Characteristics of Genital Wart Patients

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 65 views

Introduction

Genital warts, also known as genital warts, are a type of benign proliferation of the skin and mucosa caused by the infection of the Papilloma Humanus (HPV) virus. This disease is most often transmitted through sexual contact, resulting in high rates of infection in the community. The study aims to identify the prevalence and incidence of genital wart patients who seek treatment at the Polyclinic of the Department/SMF of the Skin and Gender Health Sciences RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan during the period January 2010 to December 2012.

Methodology

The methodology used in this study is a retrospective study taken from the medical record of genital wart patients in the relevant polyclinic. The results showed that during this period, as many as 5,575 patients visited the clinic, with 60 of them diagnosed with genital warts. Of these, 3,300 are new patients, and as many as 50 of them are new cases of genital warts, consisting of 26 women (52%) and 24 men (48%).

Demographic Characteristics of Genital Wart Patients

Further analysis shows that the majority of cases (36 patients or 50%) were found in the age group 25-44 years, with the Batak tribe as the most ethnicity (25 cases or 50%). In addition, the education of most patients is high school/equivalent graduates (33 cases or 66%), and dominant jobs are housewives and drivers (28% and 18%). Most patients are also married, reaching 25 cases (52%).

Prevalence and Incidence of Genital Warts

From the findings above, it can be concluded that the prevalence of genital warts in the polyclinic shows a tendency to increase from year to year. In 2010, the prevalence was recorded at 0.9%, increased to 1.18% in 2011, and slightly decreased to 1.12% in 2012. For the incidence of genital warts, in 2010 reported 0.94%, then increased to 1.46% in 2011, and reached 2.06% in 2012.

Discussion

Based on the data analysis, genital warts are more commonly found in women, especially in the age group 25-44 years. This shows the importance of more attention to the prevention and treatment of HPV infections, especially in risk groups. The importance of education about this disease, the way of transmission, and their prevention steps is very necessary to reduce the prevalence rate in the community. In addition, this information can help health workers in designing more effective prevention programs, as well as raising public awareness about the importance of sexual health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prevalence of genital warts in the polyclinic shows a tendency to increase from year to year. The majority of cases were found in the age group 25-44 years, with the Batak tribe as the most ethnicity. The education of most patients is high school/equivalent graduates, and dominant jobs are housewives and drivers. Most patients are also married, reaching 25 cases (52%). The importance of education about this disease, the way of transmission, and their prevention steps is very necessary to reduce the prevalence rate in the community.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase awareness about the importance of sexual health: Health workers should design more effective prevention programs and raise public awareness about the importance of sexual health.
Improve education about HPV infections: Education about this disease, the way of transmission, and their prevention steps is very necessary to reduce the prevalence rate in the community.
Targeted prevention programs: Targeted prevention programs should be designed for risk groups, especially women in the age group 25-44 years.
Regular screening and treatment: Regular screening and treatment of genital warts should be conducted to reduce the prevalence rate in the community.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Retrospective study design: The study used a retrospective study design, which may have limitations in terms of data quality and accuracy.
Limited sample size: The sample size of this study was limited, which may have affected the generalizability of the findings.
Limited data analysis: The data analysis was limited to descriptive statistics, which may not have provided a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and incidence of genital warts.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Prospective study design: A prospective study design should be used to collect data on the prevalence and incidence of genital warts.
Large sample size: A larger sample size should be used to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Advanced data analysis: Advanced data analysis techniques, such as regression analysis, should be used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of genital warts.

References

World Health Organization (2019). Genital warts. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/genital-warts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Genital warts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/genitalwarts/stdfact-genitalwarts.htm
American Cancer Society (2020). Genital warts. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/genitalwarts.html
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Genital Warts ===========================================================

Q: What are genital warts?

A: Genital warts, also known as genital warts, are a type of benign proliferation of the skin and mucosa caused by the infection of the Papilloma Humanus (HPV) virus.

Q: How are genital warts transmitted?

A: Genital warts are most often transmitted through sexual contact. This can occur through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.

Q: What are the symptoms of genital warts?

A: The symptoms of genital warts can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

Visible warts: Small, flesh-colored, or grayish bumps on the genitals or surrounding areas.
Itching or burning: Mild to severe itching or burning sensations in the affected area.
Pain: Pain or discomfort during sex or urination.
Bleeding: Light bleeding or spotting after sex or urination.

Q: How are genital warts diagnosed?

A: Genital warts are typically diagnosed through a visual examination by a healthcare provider. They may also use a colposcope to get a closer look at the affected area.

Q: What are the treatment options for genital warts?

A: Treatment options for genital warts include:

Topical creams: Creams or ointments applied directly to the affected area to help reduce the size and number of warts.
Imiquimod: A cream that helps stimulate the immune system to fight off the HPV virus.
Podophyllotoxin: A cream or solution that helps kill the HPV virus.
Surgical removal: In some cases, the warts may need to be surgically removed.

Q: Can genital warts be prevented?

A: While there is no guaranteed way to prevent genital warts, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Practice safe sex: Use condoms or other barrier methods to reduce the risk of transmission.
Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine can help protect against certain strains of the virus.
Get regular check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help detect any potential issues early on.

Q: Can genital warts be cured?

A: While there is no cure for genital warts, treatment can help reduce the size and number of warts. In some cases, the warts may go away on their own over time.

Q: Can genital warts be transmitted to others?

A: Yes, genital warts can be transmitted to others through sexual contact. It's essential to practice safe sex and get regular check-ups to reduce the risk of transmission.

Q: Can genital warts cause other health issues?

A: In some cases, genital warts can increase the risk of other health issues, such as:

Cervical cancer: Women with genital warts are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
Anal cancer: Men and women with genital warts are at a higher risk of developing anal cancer.
Other cancers: In rare cases, genital warts can increase the risk of other cancers, such as penile or vulvar cancer.

Q: How can I get tested for genital warts?

A: You can get tested for genital warts by visiting your healthcare provider. They will perform a visual examination and may use a colposcope to get a closer look at the affected area.

Q: What should I do if I have genital warts?

A: If you have genital warts, it's essential to:

Practice safe sex: Use condoms or other barrier methods to reduce the risk of transmission.
Get treatment: Follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan to help reduce the size and number of warts.
Get regular check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help detect any potential issues early on.

Q: Can I get genital warts if I'm in a monogamous relationship?

A: Yes, you can still get genital warts even if you're in a monogamous relationship. This can occur if your partner has genital warts and you come into contact with the virus through skin-to-skin contact.

Q: Can I get genital warts if I'm vaccinated?

A: While the HPV vaccine can help protect against certain strains of the virus, it's not a guarantee against getting genital warts. You can still get genital warts even if you're vaccinated.