Acceptability of artificial intelligence for cervical cancer screening in Dschang, Cameroon: a qualitative study on patient perspectives

• DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01828-8
• Publication Date: 2024-06-28T03:52:17Z
• Authors: Malika Sachdeva; Alida Moukam Datc...; Virginie Flore Yakam; Bruno Kenfack; Magali Jonnalaged...; Jean-Philippe Thiran; Patrick Petignat; Nicole Christine ...
• Keywords: Cancer screening

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent among women, with 90% of cervical cancer-related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Cameroon. Visual inspection acetic acid often used low-resource settings to screen for cancer; however, its accuracy can be limited. To address this issue, Swiss Federal Institute Technology Lausanne University Hospitals Geneva are collaborating develop an automated smartphone-based image classifier that serves as a computer aided diagnosis tool cancerous lesions. The primary objective study explore acceptability perspectives women Dschang regarding usage screening relying on artificial intelligence. A secondary understand preferred form type information would receive intelligence-based tool. Methods qualitative methodology was employed gain better insight into women’s perspectives. Participants, aged between 30 49 were invited from both rural urban regions semi-structured interviews using pre-tested interview guide conducted. focus groups divided basis level education, well HPV status. audio-recorded, transcribed, coded ATLAS.ti software. Results total 32 participants took part six groups, 38% had education. identified classified adapted version Acceptance Model. Key factors influencing intelligence include privacy concerns, perceived usefulness, trust competence providers, potential negative impact smartphones. Conclusion results suggest mostly acceptable Dschang. By ensuring patient confidentiality by providing clear explanations, acceptance fostered community uptake improved. Trial registration Ethical Cantonal Board Geneva, Switzerland (CCER, N°2017–0110 CER-amendment n°4) Cameroonian National Ethics Committee Human Health Research (N°2022/12/1518/CE/CNERSH/SP). NCT: 03757299.