Perspectives of women participating in a cervical cancer screening campaign with community-based HPV self-sampling in rural western Kenya: a qualitative study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0778-2
• Publication Date: 2019-06-13T16:03:54Z
• Authors: Sandra Y. Oketch; Zachary Kwena; Yujung Choi; Konyin Adewumi; Michelle Moghadassi; Elizabeth A. Bukusi; Megan J. Huchko
• Keywords: Cervical screening; Risk Perception

Despite cervical cancer being preventable with effective screening programs, it is the most common and leading cause of cancer-related death among women in many countries Africa. Screening involving pelvic examination may not be feasible or acceptable limited-resource settings. We sought to evaluate women's perspectives on human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling as part a larger trial prevention implementation strategies rural western Kenya.We invited 120 participating cluster randomized Migori County, Kenya for in-depth interviews. explored reasons testing, experience ability complete HPV self-sampling, importance clinician involvement during screening, factors people contributing decision-making, ways encourage other come screening. used validated theoretical frameworks analyze qualitative data.Women reported having positive experiences strategy. The facilitating uptake included knowledge beliefs such prior awareness HPV, personal perception risk, desire improved health outcomes, peer partner encouragement. Logistical facilitators confidence strategy, proximity sites feelings privacy comfort conducting self- sampling. barriers fear need exam, disease associated cancer. classified these findings capabilities, opportunities motivations behavior using COM-B framework.Overall, was an strategy that seemed meet needs this community. These will further inform aspects implementation, including outreach messaging, education, emphasis availability effectiveness preventative treatment who screen positive.