[Preferences and satisfaction towards a screening program with self-administered human papilloma virus detection...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gynecology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer.
• Effective screening programs are crucial for early detection and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess user preferences and satisfaction with a novel cervical cancer screening program.
• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of self-administered HPV rapid tests.
• To understand factors influencing women's choice of screening location and method.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Random sampling of 97 users from a program in Ventanilla Callao, Peru (total 2,090 users).
• Surveys and interviews with community women leaders were conducted.

Main Results:

• 74.2% of users reported at least satisfactory experiences with the screening program.
• 68% of women preferred self-administered testing, primarily due to time efficiency.
• 90.3% of women preferring clinic-based testing cited assurance of correct test administration as the reason.
• Community leader involvement facilitated program and test dissemination.

Conclusions:

• Self-administered HPV rapid tests are a preferred and satisfactory method for cervical cancer screening.
• Program design should consider convenience and perceived safety.
• Community engagement is vital for successful implementation and uptake of screening initiatives.