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Kapeller A, de Boer M. Self-Testing for Dementia: A Phenomenological Analysis of Fear. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2024; 45:267-281. [PMID: 38862697 PMCID: PMC11329528 DOI: 10.1007/s10912-024-09849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Following the growing economic relevance of mobile health (mHealth) and the increasing global prevalence of dementia, self-testing apps for dementia and mild neurocognitive disorder (MCD) have been developed and advertised. The apps' promise of a quick and easy tool has been criticized in the literature from a variety of angles, but as we argue in this article, the celebratory characterization of self-testing also stands in disbalance to the various kinds of fears that may be connected to taking the test. By drawing on Sara Ahmed's phenomenological theory on emotions and by referring to illustrative experiences from two users with a particular dementia self-testing app, we explore four dimensions of fear derived from phenomenology: performative, ontological, embodied, and temporal dimensions. We argue that fear (1) motivates one to take the self-test and to try to take control over one's health; (2) is shaped by and shapes the ways in which we make sense of ourselves and others as cognitively deficient; (3) constructs and is constructed by our differently embodied presence in the world; and that (4) testing makes a fearful future self as cognitively deficient more tangible. In outlining these different dimensions of fear, this article expands the understanding of the meaning of experiencing self-testing in comparison to the mostly quantitative literature on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kapeller
- Department for Thematic Studies: Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, Temahuset, 58330, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Marjolein de Boer
- Department of Culture Studies, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Scott-Williams J, Hosein A, Akpaka P, Adidam Venkata CR. Epidemiology of Cervical Cancer in the Caribbean. Cureus 2023; 15:e48198. [PMID: 38054120 PMCID: PMC10694396 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CvC) is considered a preventable disease; however, in the Caribbean, it is still one of the fourth most common causes of death in women. Efforts to overcome obstacles to the treatment and control of this preventable disease are being made by several countries within the Caribbean. However, no health issue can be readily managed without first acquiring an understanding of the dynamics relating to its severity of impact reaching the target population, its clinical pathology, and the availability of treatment and/or preventative measures to control or halt its progression. To assess the status of CvC in the Caribbean, a review of the literature was conducted using PubMed. The Caribbean was defined in the review as comprising nations and islands whose coastlines are touched by the Caribbean Sea. This led to an assessment of the available literature on CvC for 33 Caribbean territories. The review showed a lack of published information on CvC and highlights the need for greater research. This also serves as a template for subsequent investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Scott-Williams
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, TTO
| | - Amalia Hosein
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, TTO
| | - Patrick Akpaka
- Pathology/Microbiology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
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Higashi RT, Tiro JA, Winer RL, Ornelas IJ, Bravo P, Quirk L, Kessler LG. Understanding the effect of new U.S. cervical cancer screening guidelines and modalities on patients' comprehension and reporting of their cervical cancer screening behavior. Prev Med Rep 2023; 32:102169. [PMID: 36922960 PMCID: PMC10009194 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With recent shifts in guideline-recommended cervical cancer screening in the U.S., it is important to accurately measure screening behavior. Previous studies have indicated the U.S. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a resource for measuring self-reported screening adherence, has lower validity among non-White racial/ethnic groups and non-English speakers. Further, measuring diverse population groups' comprehension of items and attitudes toward HPV self-sampling merits investigation as it is a modality likely to be recommended in the U.S. soon. This study cognitively tested NHIS items assessing recency of and reasons for receiving cervical cancer screening and attitudes toward HPV self-sampling. We conducted cognitive interviews between April 2021 - April 2022 in English and Spanish with individuals screened in the past two years by either a medical center in metropolitan Seattle, Washington or a safety-net healthcare system in Dallas, Texas. Interviews probed understanding of reasons for screening, experiences with abnormal results, and interest in HPV self-sampling. We completed 32 interviews in Seattle and 42 interviews in Dallas. A majority of participants were unaware that two different tests for cervical cancer screening exist (Pap and HPV). Many did not know which type(s) of test they received. Dallas participants had more limited and inaccurate knowledge of HPV compared to Seattle participants, and fewer responded favorably toward HPV self-sampling (32% vs. 55%). To improve comprehension and accurate reporting of cervical cancer screening, we suggest specific refinements to currently used survey questions. Attitudes toward self-sampling should be explored further as differences may exist by region and/or sociodemographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin T Higashi
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9066, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2201 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Jasmin A Tiro
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9066, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2201 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Rachel L Winer
- University of Washington, Department of Epidemiology, Box 351619, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Ave, Suite 1600, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - India J Ornelas
- University of Washington, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, UW Box 351621, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Perla Bravo
- University of Washington, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, UW Box 351621, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lisa Quirk
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9066, USA
| | - Larry G Kessler
- University of Washington, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, UW Box 351621, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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McFarlane SJ, Morgan SE, Carcioppolo N. Lessons learned from the “Goodie Box”: A message design study developed and evaluated in community settings for cervical cancer prevention. Front Oncol 2022; 12:935704. [PMID: 36158662 PMCID: PMC9492837 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.935704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of free pap testing services, Jamaican women have low human papillomavirus (HPV) screening rates; 16% of women in the Kingston Metropolitan Area have been screened within the prior 3 years. This paper discusses the testing of theory-based messages to increase HPV screening uptake in a low-resource setting, using HPV self-test kits designed for this intervention. A total of 163 Jamaican women, aged 30–65 years, who had not had a pap test in at least 3 years, from two low socioeconomic status communities in Kingston, were enrolled and assigned to one of two versions of an HPV self-test kit, either with or without culturally targeted fear appeal messages. The uptake of screening was high across conditions; 95.6% of participants used the HPV self-test and returned their kits. However, surprising variations were observed in self-test acceptability, explained by differing attitudes toward the message conditions. Based on the results, we recommend four key components to increase HPV screening in low-resource settings: 1) focus on perceived threat in message design, 2) avoid written materials due to literacy concerns, 3) use culturally appropriate interpersonal or community-based channels, and 4) consider alternative solutions (such as a self-test) available at no or low cost to address structural barriers.
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