Epidemiological survey of warts in Chinese military recruits: A cross-sectional and follow-up study

BACKGROUND: Warts are very common in military personnel, either at war or during peace times. However, little is known about the prevalence and natural course of warts in military recruits in China. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and natural course of warts in Chinese military recruits. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the head, face, neck, hands, and feet of 3093 Chinese military recruits aged 16–25 years in Shanghai were examined for the presence of warts upon enlistment medical examinations. Questionnaires were distributed to collect the general information of the participants before the survey. All the patients were followed up by telephone interview for 11–20 months. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of warts in Chinese military recruits was 2.49%. The diagnosis of most cases was common and plantar warts, which were usually less than 1 cm in diameter and with mild discomfort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking and sharing personal items with others were risk factors. Coming from southern China was a protective factor. Over 2/3 of patients recovered within 1 year and the type, number, and size of warts and treatment choice did not predict resolution. Study limitations and Conclusions This study demonstrated that warts had a relative lower morbidity and a higher spontaneous resolution rate in Chinese military recruits. The telephone interviews following the initial survey and the limitations of a cross-sectional study were the main drawbacks.