Self-Collected Swabs for Primary HPV Screening in an Underscreened Population in Hawaii

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Cervical cancer screening rates are low in certain US populations.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing is a key method for cervical cancer prevention.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers serve vulnerable populations who may benefit from accessible screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-swab collection.
• To assess patient experience and knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening.
• To explore a novel screening approach in a low-screening-rate setting.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving patients undergoing cervical cancer screening.
• Participants self-collected samples for primary HPV testing.
• Post-collection surveys assessed patient experience and knowledge.

Main Results:

• 20 participants completed the study, including those with no prior screening history and older adults.
• HPV testing identified one positive case.
• The majority of participants (85%) found the self-collection process easy.
• Knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer prevalence was notably low.

Conclusions:

• HPV self-swab collection is a feasible and highly acceptable screening method.
• This approach shows promise for increasing cervical cancer screening uptake.
• Targeted education on HPV and cervical cancer is needed alongside screening.