Abstract P026: Exploring factors associated with preferences for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among racially-and ethnically-diverse women: a cross-sectional study

Background: Cervical cancer rates have declined since the implementation of cervical cancer screening methods such as Pap tests. However, Pap tests are still underutilized by many minority women due to limited awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, difficulties accessing health care services, and cultural or religious beliefs. HPV self-sampling has been proposed as an alternative to overcome some of these barriers. This study aimed to assess awareness, self-efficacy, and preferences of HPV self-sampling among racially- and ethnically-diverse women. Methods: From May – November 2021, women, ages 30-65 years old, were recruited in person and virtually to complete an online survey. The survey included 15 sociodemographic questions and five outcome measures related to HPV self-sampling: (1) awareness of test; (2) self-efficacy to conduct test; (3) location preference of test (clinic vs. home); 4) collector preference for screening strategy (self-collected vs. clinician-collected); and 5) preference of cervical cancer screening strategy (HPV self-sampling vs. Pap test). Modified Poisson regression was conducted to assess exploratory associations between sociodemographic variables and each outcome measure; relative risks were adjusted for age. Results: A total of 420 women completed the online survey, of which 32.4% identified as non-Hispanic white, 22.2% as Hispanic, 12.6% as Black/African American, 28.3% as Asian, 1.9% as American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 1.4% as more than two races. The majority of women had not heard of HPV self-sampling (93.5%) but reported high self-efficacy (75.3%). Women also reported higher preferences for completing an HPV test in the clinic (52.2%) and for performing a self-collected HPV test themselves (58.7%) yet would choose a traditional Pap test over HPV self-sampling (56.0%). Conclusion: The low level of HPV self-sampling awareness, across all racial and ethnic groups, suggests a strong opportunity to promote widespread educational efforts around this new tool. While many women, including those that are racially- and ethnically-diverse, still prefer the Pap test, the biggest barrier to their potential uptake of HPV self-sampling is a strong reliance on provider expertise. Future research should leverage the provider role in HPV self-sampling interventions as well as explore the feasibility of home-based or clinic-based HPV self-sampling approaches.

Citation Format: Serena Xiong, Rahel Ghebre, Shalini Kulasingam, Susan M. Mason, Rebekah J. Pratt, DeAnn Lazovich. Exploring factors associated with preferences for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among racially-and ethnically-diverse women: a cross-sectional study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Precision Prevention, Early Detection, and Interception of Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-19; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2023;16(1 Suppl): Abstract nr P026.