Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Self-Sampling – The Most Preferred Cervical Cancer Screening Method Among Under-Screened Women

Abstract

<p><strong>Objectives</strong></p><p>The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and attitudes of under-screened women towards HPV self-sampling.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Methods</strong></p><p>Study information pamphlets were distributed at the specialist clinic of a regional acute hospital. Women aged 30-65 years were invited to participate either directly face-to-face or via an online website. Women who agreed to participate were given self-sampling kits free-of-charge and an acceptability questionnaire. Participants were instructed to self-collect vaginal samples using a swab and then brush the samples onto a DNA sample storage card, which could be sent back to the hospital by mail or in person. Sentis^TMHPV assay, an isothermal nucleic acid amplification real-time fluorescent detection assay was used to detect high-risk HPV. Women who were never or under-screened (no screening for >3 years) were included in this analysis.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Results</strong></p><p>Among 1248 participants in this study, 545 (43.7%) were never or under-screened: 163 (29.9%) were never-screened and 382 (70.1%) were under-screened. Of these, 349 (64.0%) women were recruited face-to-face and 196 (36.0%) were recruited online. The median age of participants was 49 years and high-risk HPV was detected in 6.1%. The most preferred screening method was HPV self-sampling (46.3% among never-screened, 39.9% among under-screened). Generally, 82.2% of participants described self-sampling as convenient and 77.6% found self-sampling not embarrassing. Majority (91.4%) of women were willing to have self-sampling again, mainly because the test was simple (79.3%) and quick (53.8%). </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>HPV self-sampling is highly acceptable and is the most preferred method for cervical cancer screening among under-screened women. </p>