A scoping review of human papillomavirus related data system in China.

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection associated with various diseases, including genital warts, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), and multiple pre-cancerous diseases and cancers. HPV causes over 90% of cervical cancer cases, the sixth most common cancer among women in China. To support the national plan for accelerating cervical cancer elimination through enhanced HPV vaccination and screening rates, China requires reliable data systems to monitor and evaluate progress effectively.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review of literature from PubMed and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, supplemented by government documents and news articles from the Internet, spanning April 2012 and July 2023. Our objective was to identify and summarize databases and data systems used for HPV-related real-world evidence generation in China. The identified data systems cover four primary domains: HPV vaccination, HPV screening, HPV-related cervical and non-cervical diseases, and sexual and lifestyle behaviors.

Results: Our review identified a total of 140 articles and 26 databases and data systems. These databases and data systems were categorized into the following reporting areas: HPV vaccination (n = 2), HPV screening (n = 2), HPV-related cervical and non-cervical diseases (n = 21), and sexual and lifestyle behaviors (n = 1). The Immunization Program Information Management System and the regional health care information platform in Ningbo provide HPV vaccination data, while KingMed Diagnostics and the "Two Cancers" Screening Platform track HPV screening at national level. Twenty-one systems were identified for tracking HPV-related cervical and non-cervical diseases, including head and neck cancers, penile lesions, and genital warts; however, no systems were found for anal, vulvar, or vaginal cancers, or RRP. One database, the National Human Immunodeficiency Viruses Epidemiology Database, included information on sexual and lifestyle behaviors. Pilot cities, including Yinzhou, Chengdu, Suzhou, and Lecheng, have implemented population-level data systems capable of identifying information on HPV vaccination, HPV screening, and HPV-related diseases.

Conclusions: China has made significant progress in addressing HPV-related diseases and prevention, but more integrated and comprehensive data systems are needed to effectively support research, improve interventions, and achieve national and global goals in HPV prevention and cervical cancer elimination.