Prevalence, Screening, and Parental Awareness of Oral Human Papillomavirus in Pediatric Populations (HOPE Project): Findings from a Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in pediatric populations is an emerging area of interest due to its potential role in early viral transmission and long-term oncogenic risk. The oral cavity may serve as a reservoir for high-risk HPV types; however, its prevalence in children remains under-investigated and unclear. The HOPE (Human papillomavirus Oral infection in PEdiatric population) project aims to assess the prevalence of oral HPV using an innovative salivary sampling method, also exploring the influence of social determinants on parental awareness and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. This paper presents the findings from a cross-sectional pilot study. Methods: This pilot investigation included a total of 70 children (0–14 years) who underwent an oral examination and non-invasive salivary sampling using the novel LolliSponge device. HPV detection was performed using INNO-LiPA® HPV genotyping. Parents completed a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic factors and HPV-related knowledge. Associations between oral health status, social determinants, and HPV awareness were analyzed.