Perceived acceptability towards self-sampling for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) using Rasch measurement model: study revisited

Abstract

Self-sampling for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among the community has not been extensively tested for its acceptability. The HPV self-sampling test could be widely used to compliment the conventional Pap smear test for cervical cancer screening if the community accept this method. This revisited study aims to investigate the response patterns of patients’ perceived acceptability towards selfsampling for HPV using the Rasch measurement model. A secondary survey data comprised of selected 158 female out-patients at an urban and rural health clinic were obtained from the previous HPV acceptability study. Respondent’s profiles were examined with respect to locality, race, total delivery and family history of cervical cancer. The results of the analysis are segmented into three parts - reliability and validity of the survey instrument, descriptive and exploratory analysis, and probabilistic outcome of issues that could affect the use of HPV self-sampling. Reliability index of the acceptability items was moderately good and upon validity checking of the items, reliability was further improved. Three issues (iss3, iss1, and iss2) were observed to be the most difficult to endorse or agree by the respondents. These relates to issues about ‘not being able to take a good sample’, ‘fear of dropping the brush/equipment to collect the sample’ and ‘worried about hurting oneself’. This study also found that highly educated Malay patients from the urban locality have higher probability outcomes of acceptability towards HPV self-sampling compared to patients from the rural locality.