RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Somali American Perspectives on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Self-Sampling to address Cervical Cancer Screening Disparities
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 6340
DO 10.1370/afm.22.s1.6340
VO 22
IS Supplement 1
A1 Pratt, Rebekah
A1 Szpiro, Adam
A1 Fordyce, Kristi
A1 Lin, John
A1 Weiner, Bryan
A1 Ghebre, Rahel
A1 Ramer, Timothy J.
A1 Bliss Barsness, Christina
A1 Winer, Rachel
A1 Desai, Jay
A1 Yohe, Sophia
A1 Ibrahim, Anisa
A1 Winer, Rachel
YR 2024
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/22/Supplement_1/6340.abstract
AB Context: Despite it being the fourth most common cancer in women, many Somali American women do not receive routine screening for cervical cancer. HPV-only testing is effective for cervical cancer screening and recommended by U.S. guidelines. Self-sampling (HPV self-collect) may be more acceptable than clinician-sampling, and has the potential to address cervical cancer screening disparities affecting Somali American women.Objective: Understand Somali American women’s experiences of cervical cancer screening and views on HPV self-sampling.Study Design and Analysis: Focus group transcripts (n=6, 44 participants) were translated and transcribed into English. Each transcript was double coded, including at least one coder who identified as Somali.Setting: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAPopulation: Somali women between 30-65 years who are eligible for cervical cancer screeningsInstrument: Semi-structured focus group guide developed using the Social Cognitive TheoryOutcome Measures: The interview guide focused on Somali American women’s experiences with cervical cancer screening, barriers to screening, recommendations to increase screening, and views on how HPV self-sampling could potentially address cervical cancer screening disparities.Results: While some participants prior experiences of cervical cancer screening were positive, some reported distressing and frightening experiences of screening, including feeling coerced by healthcare providers. A range of barriers were reported, and these included fear, distrust, low awareness of cervical cancer, modesty concerns, being circumcised, and limited access, including not being offered screening. Participants viewed HPV self-sampling favorably, with limited concerns about test validity and correct sample collection. Overall, participants felt HPV self-sampling should be routinely offered to all Somali American patients.Conclusion: Offering HPV self-sampling to Somali American women could be an important tool to address barriers related to knowledge and awareness, cultural values and interpretations of faith (such as modesty) and access to care. This modality may be particularly important for patients who have had traumatic or coercive screening experiences, and for patients who have experienced female genital circumcision.