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Published on: March 8, 2012
Optimising human papillomavirus self-testing for high risk women
Alice R Richman1, Noel T Brewer, Aliza K Liebman
1Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, 2209 Carol Belk Building, Greenville, NC 27858, USA. richmana@ecu.edu
Sexually Transmitted Infections
|December 1, 2010
Summary
Home HPV self-tests can improve cervical cancer screening. The cervical brush was the most preferred self-test device among high-risk women, suggesting its potential for future development.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Public Health
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Home-based human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing offers a promising strategy to increase cervical cancer screening rates.
- Self-collection methods are particularly beneficial for engaging high-risk and underserved populations in regular screening protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine women's preferences among different HPV self-test devices.
- To understand the reasons behind women's preferences for specific self-collection methods.
Main Methods:
- Four focus groups were conducted with 30 high-risk women in North Carolina.
- Participants evaluated three distinct HPV self-test devices: a lavage, a cervical brush, and a wand-based sampler.
Main Results:
- The cervical brush was the most preferred device (70%), followed by the wand (67%) and the lavage (43%).
- Urban women favored the brush, while rural women preferred the wand.
- Reasons for preference included ease of use, familiarity, size, color, and concerns about messiness or abrasiveness.
Conclusions:
- No single HPV self-test device was ideal, but the brush showed the most favorable characteristics for optimization.
- Findings can inform the development of improved self-collection devices to enhance cervical cancer screening participation.
