Bruno Kenfack

Addition of digital VIA/VILI to conventional naked-eye examination for triage of HPV-positive women: A study conducted in a low-resource setting

Background World Health Organization guidelines for cervical cancer screening recommend HPV testing followed by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for triage if HPV positive. In order to improve visual assessment and identification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and worse (CIN2+), providers may use visual aids such as digital cameras. Objectives To determine whether combined examination by naked-eye and digital VIA (D-VIA) and VILI (D-VILI) improves detection of CIN2+ as compared to the conventional evaluation. Materials and methods Women (30–49 years) living in Dschang (West Cameroon) were prospectively invited to a cervical cancer screening campaign. Primary HPV-based screening was followed by VIA/VILI and D-VIA/VILI if HPV-positive. Health care providers independently defined diagnosis (pathological or non-pathological) based on naked-eye VIA/VILI and D-VIA/VILI. Decision to treat was based on combined examination (VIA/VILI and D-VIA/VILI). Cervical biopsy and endocervical curettage were performed in all HPV-positive participants and considered as reference standard. Diagnostic performance of individual and combined naked-eye VIA/VILI and D-VIA/VILI was evaluated. A sample size of 1,500 women was calculated assuming a prevalence of 20% HPV positivity and 10% CIN2+ in HPV-positive women. Results Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study had to terminate prematurely. A total of 1,081 women with a median age of 40 (IQR 35.5–45) were recruited. HPV positivity was 17.4% (n = 188) and 26 (14.4%) had CIN2+. Naked-eye VIA and D-VIA sensitivities were 80.8% (95% CI 60.6–93.4) and 92.0% (95% CI 74.0–99.0), and specificities were 31.2% (95% CI 24–39.1) and 31.6% (95% CI 24.4–39.6), respectively. The combination of both methods yielded a sensitivity of 92.3% (95% CI 74.9–99.1) and specificity of 23.2% (95% CI 16.8–30.7). A trend towards improved sensitivity was observed, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Addition of D-VIA/VILI to conventional naked-eye examination may be associated with improved CIN2+ identification. Further studies including a larger sample size are needed to confirm these results.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Preadoption of a Computer-Aided Diagnosis Tool for Cervical Cancer: Qualitative Study on Health Care Providers’ Perspectives in Western Cameroon

Background Computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) systems can enhance the objectivity of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), which is widely used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for cervical cancer detection. VIA’s reliance on subjective health care provider (HCP) interpretation introduces variability in diagnostic accuracy. CAD tools can address some limitations; nonetheless, understanding the contextual factors affecting CAD integration is essential for effective adoption and sustained use, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Objective This study investigated the barriers and facilitators perceived by HCPs in Western Cameroon regarding sustained CAD tool use for cervical cancer detection using VIA. The aim was to guide smooth technology adoption in similar settings by identifying specific barriers and facilitators and optimizing CAD’s potential benefits while minimizing obstacles. Methods The perspectives of HCPs on adopting CAD for VIA were explored using a qualitative methodology. The study participants included 8 HCPs (6 midwives and 2 gynecologists) working in the Dschang district, Cameroon. Focus group discussions were conducted with midwives, while individual interviews were conducted with gynecologists to comprehend unique perspectives. Each interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, and independently coded by 2 researchers using the ATLAS.ti (Lumivero, LLC) software. The technology acceptance lifecycle framework guided the content analysis, focusing on the preadoption phases to examine the perceived acceptability and initial acceptance of the CAD tool in clinical workflows. The study findings were reported adhering to the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) and SRQR (Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklists. Results Key elements influencing the sustained use of CAD tools for VIA by HCPs were identified, primarily within the technology acceptance lifecycle’s preadoption framework. Barriers included the system’s ease of use, particularly challenges associated with image acquisition, concerns over confidentiality and data security, limited infrastructure and resources such as the internet and device quality, and potential workflow changes. Facilitators encompassed the perceived improved patient care, the potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy, and the integration of CAD tools into routine clinical practices, provided that infrastructure and training were adequate. The HCPs emphasized the importance of clinical validation, usability testing, and iterative feedback mechanisms to build trust in the CAD tool’s accuracy and utility. Conclusions This study provides practical insights from HCPs in Western Cameroon regarding the adoption of CAD tools for VIA in clinical settings. CAD technology can aid diagnostic objectivity; however, data management, workflow adaptation, and infrastructure limitations must be addressed to avoid “pilotitis”—the failure of digital health tools to progress beyond the pilot phase. Effective implementation requires comprehensive technology management, including regulatory compliance, infrastructure support, and user-focused training. Involving end users can ensure that CAD tools are fully integrated and embraced in LMICs to aid cervical cancer screening.