Self-Collected Swabs for Primary HPV Screening in an Underscreened Population in Hawaii
Objectives
This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-swab collection at a Hawaii-based Federally Qualified Health Center in the United States with low cervical cancer screening rates.
Methods
Patients with an indication for cervical cancer screening were approached during their scheduled primary care visit. Consenting participants self-collected a sample for primary HPV testing. After sample collection, participants completed a 5-minute written survey concerning their experience collecting the sample and knowledge of cervical cancer.
Results
From August 2023 through May 2024, 20 participants enrolled and completed the study, including 5 participants who had never undergone any prior cervical cancer screening and 7 participants over the age of 65. The HPV analysis confirmed 1 positive result. Most (17 of 20) of the participants described the self-collection process as very easy or easy. Knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer prevalence was low with only 2 of 20 participants (10%) correctly identifying the prevalence of these conditions.
Conclusions
Self-swab screening for HPV is feasible with high patient satisfaction in the studied population.