Hilverda F, Fissers K, van den Broek T. Turkish and Moroccan Dutch women’s views of using a self-sampling kit for human papillomavirus testing as a tool for cervical cancer screening: What are the barriers and the motivators?
WOMEN'S HEALTH 2021;
17:17455065211065873. [PMID:
34903110 PMCID:
PMC8679022 DOI:
10.1177/17455065211065873]
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Abstract
Objective:
This study explores barriers and motivators to use self-sampling kits for
human papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer screening as perceived by
Dutch women of Turkish and Moroccan origin living in the Netherlands.
Methods:
A total of 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and
structured according to the theory of planned behavior.
Results:
Findings suggest that self-sampling may lift important barriers hampering
traditional cervical cancer screening, such as those related to shame and
chastity. However, self-sampling raises its own barriers too. Most
importantly, some women fear that self-sampling may harm virginity. Some
women also do not feel confident about their ability to properly use the
self-sampling kit, but fears about the inability to properly use it often
fade away upon having seen the self-sampling kit. Moreover, results show
that knowledge about cervical cancer and its origin is limited, which may
undermine women’s willingness to participate in a screening program.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that communication strategies to encourage using
self-sampling kits among women of Turkish and Moroccan origin could benefit
from culturally sensitive approaches, for example, by placing emphasis on
issues such as virginity and chastity. Consistent with a recent advice of
the Health Council of the Netherlands, the kit could furthermore be sent to
eligible women as a standard procedure, rather than upon request. This could
reduce hassle and doubts about women’s ability to use the self-sampling kit.
Finally, educating women about the importance of screening to prevent
cervical cancer is needed to foster informed decision-making.
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