The acceptability of, and informational needs related to, self‐collection cervical screening among women of Indian descent living in Victoria, Australia

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID19508255
AuthorsAna Machado Colling (0000-0002-3211-6644, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia, corresponding author), Nicola S Creagh (0000-0003-0908-5453, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia), Neha Gogia (0009-0008-8952-9766, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia), Kerryann Wyatt (0000-0002-6144-564X, Cancer Council Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer Melbourne Victoria Australia), Claire Zammit (0000-0002-3199-6715, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia), Julia Brotherton (0000-0002-2304-3105, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia), Charles Nightingale (0000-0002-4103-6240, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia)
Year2024
Volume27
Issue1
Pagese13961-e13961
Publication date2024-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.13961
PMID39102732
OpenAlexW4390650357
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited52

BACKGROUND: In July 2022, self-collection became universally available as part of Australia's National Cervical Screening Program. This change aims to address screening inequities experienced among underscreened populations, including women of Indian descent. This study explored experiences of cervical screening, alongside the acceptability of self-collection, among women of Indian descent living in Victoria, Australia. We also aimed to articulate the informational needs to promote self-collection among this population. METHODS: Five focus group discussions with 39 women living in Victoria were conducted in English (n = 3) and Punjabi (n = 2). Transcripts were thematically analysed, as informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. RESULTS: Women were motivated by the choice to self-collect, perceiving the ability to maintain modesty and greater autonomy as key enablers. Healthcare practitioners were seen as central in supporting patient-centred models of care. Perceived barriers to self-collection included concerns around its accuracy and women's confidence in collecting their own sample. Widespread dissemination of culturally tailored promotion strategies communicating concepts such as 'privacy' and 'accuracy' were suggested by women to promote self-collection. CONCLUSION: Self-collection was highly acceptable among women of Indian descent, particularly when assured of its accuracy, and sociocultural norms and previous screening experiences are considered. This study highlights the huge potential that self-collection can play in increasing equity in Australia's cervical screening programme. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Members of the public were involved in focus group discussions. Findings were summarised and disseminated via a poster. A bicultural worker was involved in all stages of the research

Cervical cancer · Cervical screening · Data collection · Family medicine · Geography · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Cervical Cancer and HPV Research · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Reproductive tract infections research · Gerontology

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