title: Acceptability of self-collection sampling for HPV-DNA testing in low-resource settings: a mixed methods approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vaginal self-sampling with HPV-DNA tests is a promising primary screening method for cervical cancer. However, women's experiences, concerns and the acceptability of such tests in low-resource settings remain unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  In India, Nicaragua, and Uganda, a mixed-method design was used to collect data from surveys (N = 3,863), qualitative interviews (N = 72; 20 providers and 52 women) and focus groups (N = 30 women) on women's and providers' experiences with self-sampling, women's opinions of sampling at home, and their future needs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among surveyed women, 90% provided a self- collected sample. Of these, 75% reported it was easy, although 52% were initially concerned about hurting themselves and 24% were worried about not getting a good sample. Most surveyed women preferred self-sampling (78%). However it was not clear if they responded to the privacy of self-sampling or the convenience of avoiding a pelvic examination, or both. In follow-up interviews, most women reported that they didn't mind self-sampling, but many preferred to have a provider collect the vaginal sample. Most women also preferred clinic-based screening (as opposed to home-based self-sampling), because the sample could be collected by a provider, women could receive treatment if needed, and the clinic was sanitary and provided privacy. Self-sampling acceptability was higher when providers prepared women through education, allowed women to examine the collection brush, and were present during the self-collection process. Among survey respondents, aids that would facilitate self-sampling in the future were: staff help (53%), additional images in the illustrated instructions (31%), and a chance to practice beforehand with a doll/model (26%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-and vaginal-sampling are widely acceptable among women in low-resource settings. Providers have a unique opportunity to educate and prepare women for self-sampling and be flexible in accommodating women's preference for self-sampling.
authors.affiliation: PATH, Seattle, Washington, USA. pbansil@path.org.
authors.forename: Pooja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bansil
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wittet
authors.forename: Jeanette L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.forename: Proma
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jeronimo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009527:Nicaragua; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012648:Self Care; D013048:Specimen Handling; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods*