Abstract

DE LA HOZ-RESTREPO, Fernando; ALVIS-GUZMAN, Nelson; NARVAEZ, Javier  and  CHOCONTA-PIRAQUIVE, Luz A. Evaluating the burden of disease caused by human papillomavirus in Bogota. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2009, vol.11, n.3, pp.454-467. ISSN 0124-0064.

Objective A study was carried out in Bogota aimed at estimating the burden of disease associated with human papillomavirus infection (HPV) and the potentially avoidable percentage due to using new vaccines. Methods A literature review was combined with analysing surveillance system data and disease cost evaluation. Results After adjusting for underreporting and misclassification, it was estimated that 322 deaths from cervical cancer occur annually in Bogota (corresponding to 676 new cases). This would cause the loss of 15 years of life for each 1,000 women per year (most occurring amongst women aged 40 to 69). In addition to cervical cancer, there would be around 6,084 cases of high-grade and 22,984 low-grade cervical lesions yearly. The disease's yearly cost would amount to around 7 million dollars. Important weaknesses were found in the clinical management of women suffering from cervical lesions. Conclusion Strengthening cervical cancer prevention programmes in Bogota would lead to saving a significant number of deaths, cases of cancer and the costs associated with HPV infection. Introducing an anti-HPV vaccine may be considered, but only as part of a more widespread preventative strategy and provided that more affordable prices have been found.

Keywords : Papillomavirus infection; vaccine; cost of illness; Colombia.

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