Understanding the Disease: Condyloma Infection (Essay Sample)

Condyloma Infection
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Condyloma Infection
Introduction
The human papillomavirus (HPV) remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections in different parts of the world. The virus exists in different strains and accounts for the development of various infections. However, a significant proportion of the strains do not lead to the occurrence of symptoms in the affected persons. One of the conditions associated with the HPV infection is Condyloma acuminate (CA). Understanding the different aspects of the disease is a prerequisite in determining the key social determinants involved epidemiological features, and the role of a nurse practitioner (NP) in the management of the infection in the population.
As apparent, CA demotes anogenital warts associated with HPV infection and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. The HPV strains responsible for the development of the condition include strains 6 and 11, which are classified as low risk (Pudney et al., 2019). A major indicator of a case of the CA is the occurrence of a lesion, which is dependent on the strain of the HPV involved, and the site of occurrence (Pennycook & McCready, 2020). CA may also be accompanied with bleeding, pain, and pruritus. Other symptoms that may be apparent are vaginal itching and increased vaginal secretions in women (Sugai, Nishijima, & Enomoto, 2021). In men, the occurrence of inter- nor intra-anally, and in most cases, patients report bumps.
Globally, it is approximated that between 9 to 13% of the population are affected with different strains of HPV (Pennycook & McCready, 2020). In Canada alone, it is approximated that among the sexually active population, 75% have at least a single type of anogenital infection (Scott & Batty, 2016). While limited data is available on the prevalence of the CA in the United States, it is approximated that there are between 1.1 and 1.2 incidences for every 1000 person-years. The infection is most prevalent in those aged between 20 and 39 and sexually active. The treatment of the disease mainly involves topical therapies, surgical excision, and cryotherapy are applied. For fleshy papules, Podophyllotoxin and cream may is the most common treatment for CA (Pennycook & McCready, 2020). A vaccine is also available to prevent HPV in the population (Thompson, Rosen, & Maness, 2016).
Determinants of Health
The prevalence of the CA in the population is associated with different determinants of health. The Healthy People 2020 Social Determinants of the Health (SDOH) framework comprises different factors, including economic stability, health and health care, education, social and community context, and the neighborhood and built environment (HealthyPeople.gov, 2020). The first factor, economic status, determines access to critical care to manage HPV infections. Persons from disadvantaged backgrounds are likely to be affected with CA due to the limited access to the required. The level of education is another key factor. Particularly, the level of education determines the health literacy in relation to HPV. People with higher education levels are likely to avoid risky sexual behaviors that may predispose them to HPV infections, and the reverse is true.
Access to primary care, where one may receive information about HPV and the required preventive measures, also affects the likelihood of being affected by the virus responsible for CA. Social and context also influence the transmission of HPV. Due to risky sexual behaviors and having multiple partners, incarcerated persons are more predisposed to be infected with HPV than the rest of the population. Incarcerated women are particularly at risk, as they are often compelled to engage in sexual activities in exchange for different necessities. The limited access to care in such settings is also a predisposing factor (Moore et al., 2019). Additionally, the people who have multiple sexual partners based on social contexts also exhibit an increased chance of being infected with HPV. The different factors assist in the rationalization of the disparities in the HPV infections, hence, CA.