Abstract

The use of self-sampling devices in population-based cervical cancer screening programmes (CCSP) is both an opportunity and a challenge in terms of implementation.

Objective To understand the expectations, preferences, and difficulties perceived by women as regards different screening models and self-sampling devices, with the aim of identifying strategies to achieve high CCSP participation rates.

Methods This study is based on qualitative research techniques, consisting of an individual interview using a questionnaire with semi-structured questions, followed by a group interview. Sessions were held simultaneously with 4 groups (7-8 women aged between 35 and 65). Women assessed various aspects of the programme (information dissemination, invitation, receipt of results, etc.) and five self-sampling devices.

Results If screening were carried out via self-sampling, 96.4% of women said they would take the test. Most women preferred to receive information on the CCSP or return their samples at their health centres (86.2% and 86.2%), and the most popular method for receiving both the programme invitation and results is by SMS (58.6%, 65.5%).

Simplicity and ease of use are the key features of the device accepted by the largest number of women, the FLOQSwab. Another highly rated feature is the attractive design of the Evalyn Brush, as this was the preferred device of the largest number of women.

The existence of other screening programmes that use self-sampling devices (the colorectal cancer prevention programme) is an opportunity as regards acceptance of this new programme. Some women are unsure of how to use the devices correctly.

A large number of women accept self-sampling and reveals significant differences in the degree of acceptance of different self-sampling devices. Selecting the most accepted device is key to achieving high CCSP participation rates, and these programmes should be accompanied by adapted information campaigns to reach the most vulnerable groups and ensure equity.

Cervical CancerScreeningHPVself-samplingqualitativeparticipationscreening programCompeting Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Not Applicable

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

All methods of the study were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Responsible Research Office of Miguel Hernández University (reference no. AUT.DPS.JMS.01.21, date 30/09/2021). Participants were informed and subsequently signed a consent form to participate in the study and agreed to the sessions being recorded. All methods were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki relevant guidelines and regulations.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

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I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

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Data Availability

All methods of the study were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Responsible Research Office of Miguel Hernández University (reference no. AUT.DPS.JMS.01.21, date 30/09/2021). Participants were informed and subsequently signed a consent form to participate in the study and agreed to the sessions being recorded. All methods were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki relevant guidelines and regulations.

List of abbreviationsHPVHuman PapillomavirusCCSPPopulation-based cervical cancer screening programmesIARCInternational Agency for Research on Cancer