Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, such that most sexually active men and women will contract it during their lifetime (Dominak- Felden et al 2013). There are many different forms of the virus, which can cause cancers and genital warts. Although the HPV vaccine has been introduced in Ireland since 2011 to prevent cervical cancer, other countries have since introduced routine vaccination of boys to prevent anal pharyngeal cancers and genital warts. The HPSC collects data from general practitioners (GPs) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics regarding the number of patients presenting with genital warts. In 2013 there were 2133 (46.5 per 100,000) cases of ano-genital warts reported (HPSC 2014).
This research project will assess the clinical treatment of genital warts in a University Hospital affiliated Sexual Health Clinic in men and women and estimate the costs of that treatment using a micro costing methodology. Quality of life will be assessed in patients with genital warts and compared to those attending the clinic who are asymptomatic. Based on this cost utility of HPV vaccination in boys can be determined; such that the cost of vaccinating all children will be weighed against treating the HPV virus in STI Clinics.
