Which of the following is a risk factor for HPV infection?

• A. Using alcohol or illicit drugs
• B. Being young
• C. Being sexually active
• D. Having multiple sex partners

Answer: (D)

HPV infection is spread through sexual contact, so exposure opportunities drive the risk of acquiring it. Having multiple sex partners increases those exposure opportunities, making infection more likely at some point. The more people you’ve had sexual contact with, the greater the chance you’ll encounter an infected partner, which is why this is the strongest risk factor among the options.

Using alcohol or illicit drugs doesn’t cause HPV by itself, even though such use can be linked to broader risk behaviors. Being young isn’t a direct biological risk factor—HPV can affect people of many ages, though prevalence can be higher in certain age groups. Being sexually active is a risk factor, but it’s a broad one; the specific, stronger predictor among the choices is having multiple sex partners because it directly increases the chance of exposure.