Attitudes Toward Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling in Regularly Screened Women in Edmonton, Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the level of interest in human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling as a method of cervical cancer screening in a population of women affiliated with a primary care clinic. A survey was given to women (N = 182) between the ages of 25 and 69 years attending a family medicine clinic in Edmonton, Canada. Primary outcome measures include (1) the percentage of women who feel that HPV self-sampling should be available and (2) the percentage of women who would prefer HPV self-sampling to the Pap test. Secondary outcomes include the percentage of women aware of HPV self-sampling and factors associated with a preference for HPV self-sampling using logistic regression. Most women (84%) were up-to-date on Pap testing, and most (85%) had had postsecondary education (either completed or in progress). The percentage of the women who moderately or strongly felt that HPV self-sampling should be available was 60%; the percentage of the women who would prefer HPV self-sampling was 24%. Only 7% of the women reported being previously aware of HPV self-sampling. The factor associated with a preference for HPV self-sampling was the Pap comfort score, with an odds ratio of 1.51 (95% CI = 1.05-2.16, p = .026). In this population of well-educated women who were mostly up-to-date on cervical screening, there was a clear interest to have the option of HPV self-sampling. It is important for cancer screening programs to take this into account, given that women are the ultimate beneficiaries of these programs.