Epidemiological trends and economic burden of genital warts in Dutch primary care

This study aims to describe the epidemiological trends and estimate the economic burden of genital warts (GW) in Dutch primary care.

A retrospective, non-interventional, multiyear study (2011-2021) was performed using data from the Nivel Primary Care Database. Changes in incidence by age group, sex and level of urbanisation of individuals with GW and associated healthcare resource use (general practitioner consultations, prescribed medication and referrals) were estimated over the 11-year period. Total annual healthcare costs and cost per incident case were estimated via a bottom-up gross costing approach.

Between 2011 and 2021, GW incidence increased, which was especially seen in men (from 2.0 to 3.5 per 1000 inhabitants) and to a lesser extent in women (from 1.9 to 2.1 per 1000 inhabitants). GW incidence was most common in age group 20-29 years (men: 43.6%; women: 50.7%) and highly urbanised areas. Medication was prescribed in 61.4% of GW cases, and 5.4% of patients with GW were referred to secondary care. Total costs in Dutch primary care increased by 108% from €2.3 million in 2011 to €4.9 million in 2021. The cost per incident case also showed an increasing trend from €72 in 2011 to €99 in 2021. Referrals to secondary care resulted in a 14%-30% increase in total costs.

This study provides novel insights into recent epidemiological trends of GW and its associated costs in Dutch primary care. The incidence of GW increased particularly among men, and the total annual costs of GW in primary care doubled between 2011 and 2021.