Effects of HPV-related psychosocial burden and general psychological health on quality of life and sexual function in women with HPV infection in the initial period after diagnosis

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and sexual function, mainly owing to increased levels of anxiety and distress. AIMS: To examine the potentially moderating effects of general psychological health on the relationships between (a) HPV-related psychosocial burden and QoL and (b) HPV-related psychosocial burden and sexual function. METHOD: The HPV Impact Profile, Female Sexual Function Index, General Health Questionnaire-28 and Life Satisfaction Inventory questionnaires were completed by 151 women. RESULTS: HPV-related psychosocial burden and general psychological health accounted for 23.2% of QoL variability. There was not strong evidence for a moderating effect of general psychological health on the relationship between HPV-related psychosocial burden and QoL. Higher HPV-related psychosocial burden predicted worse sexual function on average. However, HPV-related psychosocial burden accounted for only 4.1% of sexual function variability. CONCLUSIONS: Higher HPV-related psychosocial burden is associated with lower QoL as well as worse sexual function. General psychological health predicts changes in QoL over and above HPV-related psychosocial burden; thus, a deep understanding of emerging mental health issues soon after diagnosis is crucial to improve counselling and enhance women's mental empowerment to achieve a better psychological response.