Feasibility of HPV self-sampling pathway in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal using a human-centred design approach
Cervical cancer is preventable and curable yet causes almost 2000 deaths in Nepali women each year. The present study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a self-sampling-based approach for cervical cancer screening in urban and peri-urban Nepal and develop pathways for self-sampling using a co-design methodology. An iterative design approach was applied. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 healthy women and four women who had had a prior cancer diagnosis on topics which included: sexual and reproductive health knowledge and human papillomavirus (HPV); use of the internet/social media platforms; their views regarding acceptability and usability of the self-sampling kit and the proposed user journey. Data collection was done between December 2020 and January 2021. Seven medical experts were also interviewed to explore the current service configuration for cervical cancer screening in Nepal. Knowledge regarding HPV and its association with cervical cancer was absent for the majority of participants. Although 70% (