Acceptability of HPV Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening Among Previously Screened Women in Türkiye: A...

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where screening coverage is suboptimal. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has emerged as a promising strategy to improve participation in cervical cancer screening programs. This study aimed to evaluate attitudes, preferences, and acceptability regarding HPV self-sampling among Turkish women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Türkiye between January and June 2025. A total of 302 women aged 30-65 years who had previously undergone clinician-collected cervical sampling were included. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing their preferences, concerns, and attitudes toward HPV self-sampling. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 29. Results: Overall, 73.6% of participants supported the inclusion of HPV self-sampling in the national screening program. However, 49% preferred clinician-collected sampling, while 41.7% preferred self-sampling. Approximately 34.4% reported anxiety related to performing self-sampling. Higher educational level was significantly associated with increased acceptance (p = 0.002), whereas age was not significantly associated. Conclusions: HPV self-sampling appears to be an acceptable alternative among previously screened women and may help address certain barriers to participation. Further studies are needed to evaluate its real-world implementation and potential role in supporting participation in broader populations.