Effects of an Education Intervention about HPV Self-Testing for Healthcare Providers and Staff

Women's perceptions and preferences for cervical cancer screening in light of updated guidelines

BACKGROUND

Updated risk-based guidelines for cervical cancer screening (CCS) allow for individualized screening that minimizes unnecessary testing. However, these guidelines are complex and may not be easily understandable to patients.

PURPOSE

To describe women's perceptions and preferences about CCS in light of recent guideline changes.

METHODOLOGY

This qualitative study conducted in February 2020 used online, text-based focus groups with a sample of US women ( n = 49) ages 27-45. After participants completed a short demographic survey, an experienced moderator used a semistructured guide to solicit participants' perceptions of routine gynecologic care and CCS. We summarized survey data using descriptive statistics. Two authors analyzed transcripts using conventional content analysis and met with other team members to resolve discrepancies and determine final themes.

RESULTS

Most participants were non-Hispanic White (65%), had health insurance (90%), and reported having a routine gynecologic examination in the past year (70%). We identified four common themes: (1) low perceived risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) coupled with low knowledge about HPV as a causative factor for cervical cancer, (2) confusion about-and mistrust of-recent individual risk-based guidelines that determine the indicated timing and type of CCS test (Pap or HPV testing), (3) mixed opinions about performing a self-swab for HPV testing, and (4) conflicting perceptions of trust toward providers and the health care industry.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight women's uncertainty and hesitancy about updated CCS guidelines.

IMPLICATIONS

Provider-patient communication strategies should consider women's gaps in knowledge about HPV, include the rationale for guidelines and types of tests, and build trust between patients and providers.

Exploring factors associated with preferences for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among racially- and ethnically-diverse women in Minnesota: A cross-sectional study

Pap tests are still underutilized by minority women due to limited awareness of cervical cancer screening (CCS), inadequate health care access, and cultural or religious beliefs. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, a new CCS tool, has demonstrated potential to overcome some of these barriers. In 2021, women aged 30-65 years old were recruited across Minnesota to complete an online survey. The survey assessed five outcome measures related to HPV self-sampling: (1) awareness of test; (2) self-efficacy to conduct test; (3) location preference of test (clinic vs. home); 4) collector preference (self vs. clinician); and (5) preference of CCS strategy (HPV self-sampling vs. Pap test). Modified Poisson regressions tested associations between sociodemographic variables and outcomes. A total of 420 women completed the survey, of which 32.4% identified as Non-Hispanic white, 22.2% as Hispanic, 12.6% as Black/African-American, 28.3% as Asian, 1.9% as American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 1.4% as more than two races. Few women had heard of HPV self-sampling (6.5%), but a majority reported high self-efficacy to perform self-sampling (75.3%). Women also reported higher preferences for completing an HPV test in the clinic (52.2%) and for performing a self-collected HPV test themselves (58.7%), yet would choose a traditional Pap test over HPV self-sampling (56.0%). The low level of HPV self-sampling awareness, across all racial/ethnic groups, suggests a strong opportunity to promote widespread educational efforts around this new tool. Future HPV self-sampling research efforts should examine educational interventions targeted at healthcare providers to educate and encourage women on the importance of self-collection options.

Frequency of health care provider recommendations for HPV vaccination: a survey in three large cities in China

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, an important pathogenic factor for cervical cancer, can be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Health care provider (HCP) recommendations contribute to improve HPV vaccination coverage. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of HCP recommendations for HPV vaccination and associated factors.

Methods

From Nov 8 to Dec 6 in 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted through online questionnaires among HCPs (n = 1,371) from hospitals in three large cities in China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen). Data on demographic characteristics, the frequency of HPV vaccination recommendations, HPV knowledge and related attitudes were collected through the questionnaires.

Results

Among 1,371 participants, only 30.2% reported that they frequently recommended HPV vaccination. Multivariate analyses indicated that female sex, being employed in obstetrics or gynecology departments and community health service centers, and having higher self-reported and actual knowledge of HPV were factors associated with a higher recommendation frequency. Factors including a self-perceived non-obligation to provide recommendations and difficulties in discussing sexual topics were significantly correlated with less frequent recommendations. Employment in a community health service center (OR = 2.068, 95% CI: 1.070-3.999) was the strongest factor associated with the frequency of HCPs' recommendations for HPV vaccination.

Discussion

The frequency of HCPs' recommendations for HPV vaccination in China was much lower than that in many developed countries. To enhance the recommendation frequency, medical institutions should help HCPs gain more knowledge of HPV and master communication skills. At the same time, the government should take measures to enhance the accessibility of HPV vaccines. The media should help to alleviate people's concerns and encourage them to face up sexual health.

Perspectives on self-sampling for cancer screening among rural and urban women: Multilevel factors related to acceptability

PURPOSE

Self-sampling tests may be used to overcome barriers to screening that are more prevalent in rural populations compared to urban populations. This study aims to qualitatively examine the attitudes toward established and novel self-sampling tests for cervical and colorectal cancer among women, comparing themes from rural versus urban areas.

METHODS

We recruited women (ages 45-65) from 28 counties in Pennsylvania. Four focus groups were conducted with women from metropolitan counties, and 7 focus groups were conducted with women from nonmetropolitan counties. A brief survey was conducted prior to the focus group regarding general health and willingness to complete self-sampling tests for cervical and colorectal cancer.

FINDINGS

We identified 3 themes about the potential for self-sampling for cancer screening: advantages and disadvantages of self-sampling compared to traditional testing, impact of self-sampling on patient interactions with their health care providers/clinics, and implications for improving/worsening access to quality health care services. We detected differences in responses from rural versus urban participants in the potential impact of self-sampling for cancer screening.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several barriers and facilitators at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels that influence the feasibility of implementing self-sampling for cancer screening in routine clinical practice. Rural participants face unique barriers to cancer screening across all levels. These findings can be used to guide interventions aimed at increasing the use of self-sampling methods.

Perspectives on Self-Sampling for Cancer Screening From Staff at Federally Qualified Health Centers in Rural and Segregated Counties: A Preliminary Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Self-sampling for colorectal and cervical cancer screening can address the observed geographic disparities in cancer burden by alleviating barriers to screening participation, such as access to primary care. This preliminary study examines qualitative themes regarding cervical and colorectal cancer self-sampling screening tools among federally qualified health center clinical and administrative staff in underserved communities.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with clinical or administrative employees (≥18 years of age) from FQHCs in rural and racially segregated counties in Pennsylvania. Data were managed and analyzed using QSR NVivo 12. Content analysis was used to identify themes about attitudes towards self-sampling for cancer screening.

RESULTS

Eight interviews were conducted. Average participant age was 42 years old and 88% of participants were female. Participants indicated that a shared advantage for both colorectal and cervical cancer self-sampling tests was their potential to increase screening rates by simplifying the screening process and offering an alternative to those who decline traditional screening. A shared disadvantage to self-sampling was the potential for inaccurate sample collection, either through the test itself or the sample collection by the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-sampling offers a promising solution to increase cervical and colorectal cancer screening in rural and racially segregated communities. This study's findings can guide future research and interventions which integrate self-sampling screening into routine primary care practice.

¡Habla de VPH! An Educational Activity for College Students in Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV) infection knowledge, willingness to get vaccinated, and vaccination uptake, following a brief educational activity entitled ¡Habla de VPH! (Let's talk about HPV!) in a sample of college students at the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón.

METHODS

Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire developed by the research team, which gathered information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, HPV vaccination status, and willingness to receive the vaccine. Once the participant completed the survey, the staff of the Outreach Program conducted an educational activity. Study participants completed a pre- and post-test, which included a scale with items related to knowledge about HPV infection, associated malignancies, and the vaccine. To compute the mean knowledge score for each test, the correct responses were summed; the total scores for each test ranged from 0 to 11. Follow-up interviews (3 and 6 months) explored knowledge changes and-in the previously unvaccinated students-vaccine uptake.

RESULTS

A total of forty students answered the questionnaire. A significant difference between the average knowledge before (7.6 ± 2.1) and after the intervention (10.6 ±0.6) (P < .001) was observed. Of the non-vaccinated group, 59.3% reported being interested in receiving the vaccine. By the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, only 2 students had started the vaccine series.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about HPV and associated malignancies increased significantly. However, few students initiated the vaccine after either of the followups. Future efforts should line up the vaccine promotion and outreach activities with immunization services, making the vaccine available in the communities to be impacted.

Acceptability of Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living With HIV and HIV-Negative Women in Limbé, Cameroon

Introduction: Like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon has a high burden of cervical cancer and low availability and uptake of screening. Self-collection has the potential to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening among Cameroon women. This paper explores patient and community insights surrounding self-collection among women living with HIV and HIV[-] women as well as the barriers and facilitators to obtaining and utilizing self-collected specimens in cervical cancer screening programs.

Materials and methods: We utilized an exploratory qualitative approach to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews during data collection that took place from May to August 2018. A two-stage sampling strategy was used to select 80 women who participated in six focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews. We utilized the socio-ecological framework to guide data analysis.

Results: All participants indicated that self-sampling was an acceptable method of specimen collection and should be offered as an option for cervical cancer screening in Cameroon. Whereas, most women, regardless of HIV status, preferred the option for self-collection, barriers were identified, such as lack of education about self-collection procedure, being uncomfortable, embarrassed or in pain from the procedure, fear of consequences, perceived competence about ability to self-collect and privacy and confidentiality. We also found that HIV-related stigma was a major concern for HIV[-] women that could prevent them from accessing cervical cancer screening integrated within HIV treatment settings.

Conclusions: To promote self-collection for cervical cancer screening, educational interventions with both patients and providers are necessary to increase knowledge of and overall willingness to utilize self-collection. Further research is recommended to examine the role of stigma for HIV[-] women in screening locations associated with HIV treatment.

Advances in Designing and Developing Vaccines, Drugs and Therapeutic Approaches to Counter Human Papilloma Virus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection with skin-to-skin based transmission mode. HPV annually caused over 500,000 cancer cases including cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer among others. HPV vaccination has become a public-health concern, worldwide, to prevent the cases of HPV infections including precancerous lesions, cervical cancers, and genital warts especially in adolescent female and male population by launching national programs with international alliances. Currently, available prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines are expensive to be used in developing countries for vaccination programs. The recent progress in immunotherapy, biotechnology, recombinant DNA technology and molecular biology along with alternative and complementary medicinal systems have paved novel ways and valuable opportunities to design and develop effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, drugs and treatment approach to counter HPV effectively. Exploration and more researches on such advances could result in the gradual reduction in the incidences of HPV cases across the world. The present review presents a current global scenario and futuristic prospects of the advanced prophylactic and therapeutic approaches against HPV along with recent patents coverage of the progress and advances in drugs, vaccines and therapeutic regimens to effectively combat HPV infections and its cancerous conditions.