High Risk Latinas Awareness and Interest in Self-collection for HPV Testing to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Self-collection for human papilloma virus (HPV) testing can revolutionize the cervical cancer prevention landscape. However, dissemination of new tools can exacerbate existing inequities. This paper investigates awareness and interest in self-collection among a high-risk Latina population.

Semi-structured interviews with middle-aged to older high-risk Latinas covered their awareness of and interest in using self-collection. The interviews were conducted as part of a larger study on cervical cancer.

Twenty-six Latinas age 35 years or older diagnosed with pre-cervical cancer from the Pacific Northwest took part. We found mixed results in responses to interest in self-collection. Twelve would not do the self-collection; the 12 were a mix of English- and Spanish-speaking and U.S.-born, legal permanent residents or undocumented Latinas. All five participants who were conditional yes's were Spanish-speaking. Three sub-categories explain lack of interest or hesitancy.

Dissemination efforts should have more hands-on demonstration and technical training, particularly for Spanish-speaking immigrant Latinx communities.