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Human Papillomavirus self-testing among un- and under-screened Maori, Pasifika, and Asian women in Aotearoa New Zealand: a preference survey among responders and interviews with clinical-trial non-responders

Sherman, Susan M.; Brewer, Naomi; Bartholomew, Karen; Bromhead, Collette; Crengle, Sue; Cunningham, Chris; Douwes, Jeroen; Foliaki, Sunia; Grant, Jane; Maxwell, Anna; McPherson, Georgina; Scott, Nina; Wihongi, Helen; Potter, John D.

Human Papillomavirus self-testing among un- and under-screened Maori, Pasifika, and Asian women in Aotearoa New Zealand: a preference survey among responders and interviews with clinical-trial non-responders Thumbnail


Authors

Naomi Brewer

Karen Bartholomew

Collette Bromhead

Sue Crengle

Chris Cunningham

Jeroen Douwes

Sunia Foliaki

Jane Grant

Anna Maxwell

Georgina McPherson

Nina Scott

Helen Wihongi

John D. Potter



Abstract

Introduction
Maori, Pasifika, and Asian women are less likely to attend cervical screening and Maori and Pasifika women are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cervical cancer than other women in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study – with under-screened women taking part in a randomised controlled trial comparing self-testing and standard screening – explored the acceptability of an HPV self-test kit and the preferred method for receiving it.

Methods
Maori, Pasifika, and Asian women (N=376) completed a cross-sectional postal questionnaire. Twenty-six women who had not accepted the trial invitation were interviewed to understand their reasons for non-participation.

Results
Most women found the self-test kit easy and convenient to use and reported that they did not find it painful, uncomfortable, or embarrassing. This was reflected in the preference for a self-test over a future smear test on the same grounds. Most women preferred to receive the kit by mail and take the test themselves, rather than having it done by a doctor or nurse. There was a range of preferences relating to how to return the kit. Phone calls with non-responders revealed that, although most had received the test kit, the reasons for not choosing to be involved included not wanting to, being too busy, or forgetting.

Conclusion
HPV self-testing was acceptable for Maori, Pasifika, and Asian women in Aotearoa New Zealand. HPV self-testing has considerable potential to reduce the inequities in the current screening programme and should be made available with appropriate delivery options as soon as possible.

Patient or Public Contribution
This study explored the acceptability of HPV self-testing and their preferences for engaging with it among Maori, Pasifika, and Asian women. Thus, women from these underserved communities were the participants and focus of this study.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 22, 2022
Online Publication Date Sep 26, 2022
Publication Date 2022-12
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Health Expectations
Print ISSN 1369-6513
Publisher Wiley
Volume 25
Issue 6
Pages 2914-2923
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13599
Keywords Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/hex.13599

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