Clinicoepidemiological Profile of Anogenital Warts in Sexually Active Individuals Attending a Tertiary Care Centre in North India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Anogenital warts (AGWs), caused predominantly by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, remain one of the most common viral sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Despite their substantial psychosocial and public health impact, limited data are available regarding their clinicoepidemiological profile in North India. Objectives: To assess the demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with anogenital warts and to evaluate their association with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Materials and Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, LLRM Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, from June 2024 to November 2025. Eighty-eight sexually active individuals aged 18–60 years with clinically diagnosed anogenital warts were enrolled. Demographic data, sexual behaviour characteristics, clinical findings, and laboratory investigations for associated STIs were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 32.56 ± 10.38 years. The majority belonged to the 21–30-year age group (43.2%). Males constituted 54.5% of cases. Most participants reported vaginal intercourse (65.9%), while 72.7% had a history of unprotected sexual intercourse. The mean age of coitarche was 23.15 ± 2.48 years. Cauliflower-like lesions were the predominant morphology (63.6%). The penile shaft was the most commonly involved site in males, whereas the labia majora was the most frequent site in females. Concomitant STIs were identified in 56.8% of patients, with vaginal candidiasis (17%), HIV infection (14.8%), and hepatitis C infection (12.5%) being the most common. Significant associations were observed between unprotected intercourse and HIV infection (p=0.041) and between condom use and history of STIs (p=0.032). Conclusion: Anogenital warts predominantly affect young sexually active adults and are strongly associated with unsafe sexual practices and coexisting STIs. Enhanced sexual health education, routine STI screening, partner evaluation, and HPV vaccination are essential to reduce disease burden.

Keywords: Anogenital warts; Human papillomavirus; Sexually transmitted infections; HIV; Epidemiology; Condyloma acuminata