Embracing Self-collecting cervico-vaginal Human Papilloma Virus testing for cervical cancer screening: An exploratory study of acceptability among women in Penang

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the acceptability and awareness of Penang women regarding self-collected cervico-vaginal specimens for HPV testing. Method: The study was conducted in Penang State throughout January to December 2020, in collaboration with the Penang West Hat Community Programme. The study's target population included women aged 25-60 from the Little Siradan, North West, Terenga, and Barat daya communities, who self-collected cervicovaginal samples using a cervicovaginal brush. Following sample collection, participants completed brief questionnaires to gauge their acceptance and perceptions of this self-sampling approach. They also received counseling and guidance at local health departments for Pap test follow-ups. Result: Vaginal microbiota examination revealed a significant correlation between baseline (W0) and twelve weeks later (W12) across various parameters, encompassing the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), blood samples, fecal samples, distributed products to subjects, and vaginal samples (p < 0.001). Analysis of DNA concentration (VM) demonstrated a substantial difference in A260/280 ratios (p < 0.001), while A260/230 ratios showed no statistical significance (p=0.212). Additionally, the vaginal microbiome results displayed noteworthy distinctions between fecal and vaginal samples. Conclusion: The findings of this study hold promise for the initial community-wide implementation of HPV testing, which is anticipated to be introduced in Malaysia in the near future.