| Background: Most anal cancers are caused by high-risk (HR)-HPV, occurring at much higher rates in MSM. There is little evidence on specific risk factors for HR-HPV in this population.;Objective: To determine sexual and behavioural risk factors for HR-HPV anal canal infection.;Methods: Cross-sectional study recruiting a clinic-based MSM sample. Participants completed a questionnaire, and had HPV/STI testing. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess HR-HPV risk factors.;Results: 442 MSM were recruited: 267 HR-HPV-positive, 162 HR-HPV-negative. Multivariable analyses revealed risk factors associated with HR-HPV infection: HIV status (OR: 1.86, 95% CI 1.20-2.89); current smoking status (OR: 2.24, 95% CI 1.33-3.79); and >50 lifetime sexual partners (OR: 2.37, 95% CI 1.05-5.35).;Conclusions: This study highlights important risk factors for HR-HPV anal infection. On a background of limited evidence for HPV screening modalities, this information may shed light on novel ways to risk stratify MSM to further anal cancer screening interventions. |
