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HPV Primary Cervical Screening in England: Women’s Awareness and Attitudes

Moss, EL; Patel, H; Sherman, S

Authors

EL Moss

H Patel



Abstract

Background
Primary HPV cervical screening is due to be implemented in England within the next 2 years however, the acceptability of HPV testing as the primary screening test is unclear. This study explores women’s awareness and attitudes towards HPV testing/screening.

Methods
Qualitative interviews (semi-structured and focus group) were conducted with forty-six women (aged 25-65 years) from community and secondary care settings. Data was analysed using the inductive-framework method.

Results
Women were unaware that cervical screening currently includes HPV testing and lacked HPV-related knowledge. Emotions of shock, fear and anxiety were reported upon receiving a positive HPV result. For women in long-term relationships, the realisation that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) was seen as a barrier to primary HPV testing. Knowledge that HPV testing is a screening test to prevent cervical cancer did not change their attitudes. Women debated the need for continued screening following a negative result. Women feared judgement by the community if they participated with primary HPV screening because they were being tested for an STI, with the possible attendant perception that they had adopted a high-risk lifestyle in comparison to non-attenders.

Conclusions
The acceptability of HPV testing may be a limiting factor in encouraging participation with screening in the future.

Acceptance Date Feb 26, 2018
Publication Date Mar 9, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Psycho-Oncology
Print ISSN 1057-9249
Publisher Wiley
Pages 1559-1564
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4694
Keywords cervical cancer, cervical screening, HPV attitudes, HPV testing, primary HPV screening
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4694