1. The impact of Germany's human papillomavirus immunization program on HPV-related anogenital diseases: a retrospective analysis of claims data from statutory health insurances.
- Author
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Goodman E, Reuschenbach M, Viering T, Luzak A, Greiner W, Hampl M, and Jacob C
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Germany epidemiology, Retrospective Studies, Adult, Uterine Cervical Dysplasia prevention & control, Uterine Cervical Dysplasia epidemiology, Uterine Cervical Dysplasia virology, Anus Neoplasms prevention & control, Anus Neoplasms virology, Anus Neoplasms epidemiology, Prevalence, Vaccination statistics & numerical data, Vaginal Neoplasms prevention & control, Vaginal Neoplasms epidemiology, Vaginal Neoplasms virology, Insurance Claim Review, Human Papillomavirus Viruses, Papillomavirus Infections prevention & control, Papillomavirus Infections epidemiology, Papillomavirus Vaccines administration & dosage, Papillomavirus Vaccines therapeutic use, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms prevention & control, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms epidemiology, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms virology, Immunization Programs statistics & numerical data, Condylomata Acuminata prevention & control, Condylomata Acuminata epidemiology, Condylomata Acuminata virology
- Abstract
Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, responsible for multiple HPV-related diseases, including almost all cervical cancers. The highly effective HPV vaccination has been recommended under the German HPV national immunization program (NIP) since 2007 and is reimbursed by health insurances. Vaccination uptake rates, however, remain suboptimal and data on the real-world impact of HPV vaccination in Germany are lacking. This study aims to demonstrate the population-level impact of Germany's NIP on HPV-related anogenital diseases among young women., Methods: Retrospective claims data analysis using a classic impact study design comparing disease prevalence among 28- to 33-year-old women before and after introduction of the HPV-immunization program in Germany. Claims data representing approximately two thirds of German health insurances were used. HPV-related disease outcomes included cervical cancer and high grade precancers (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+), anogenital warts, as well as vulvar, vaginal, and anal precancer/cancer., Results: Significant declines were seen for CIN2+, anogenital warts, and vaginal precancer/cancer. Prevalence of CIN2+ declined 51.1% from 0.92% (95% CI = 0.78%, 1.08%) to 0.45% (95% CI = 0.38%, 0.53%). There was a 38.6% decline in anogenital warts prevalence from 0.44% (95% CI = 0.36%, 0.54%) to 0.27% (95% CI = 0.22%, 0.32%) and 75.0% decline in vaginal precancer/cancer prevalence from 0.04% (95% CI = 0.02%, 0.07%) to 0.01% (95% CI = 0.00%, 0.02%)., Conclusion: The German HPV-immunization program has led to significant declines in female anogenital disease among young women in Germany, highlighting the importance of the vaccination. Moreover, the data suggest that increasing vaccination coverage in Germany could further strengthen the public-health impact of its HPV-immunization program., (© 2024. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates & Monika Hampl 2024.)
- Published
- 2024
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