Background: Ethnic minority women are less likely to participate in cervical cancer uteri (CCU) screening compared to native women. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling kits for CCU screening may be a potential strategy to increase participation. This study aimed to explore views and attitudes on four different types of self-sampling kits (two brushes, a first-void urine device, and a menstrual blood device) among non-Western ethnic minority women living in Denmark.
Methods: The study was a social science single case study based on focus group interviews with 30 women aged 32-54 with non-Western background from a deprived area. A phenomenological approach was applied to describe the phenomenon "self-sampling" as seen from the women's lifeworlds. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using systematic text condensation.
Results: The women expressed significant interest in the possibility of using HPV self-sampling kits as an alternative to being screened by their general practitioner. They were particularly motivated to use the non-invasive self-sampling kits for CCU screening as they were deemed suitable for addressing cultural beliefs related to their bodies and virginity. The women expressed interest in the use of the invasive self-sampling kits but were cautious, primarily due to lack of confidence in correctly performing self-sampling with a brush and due to cultural beliefs.
Conclusion: The use of non-invasive self-sampling kits, such as a first-void urine collection device and menstrual blood pad, represents a promising solution to overcome cultural barriers and promote greater equality in CCU screening participation among non-Western ethnic minority women.
Keywords: Cervical cancer screening; Emigrants and immigrants; Human Papillomavirus testing; Qualitative research; Self-sampling; Social inequality.
© 2024. The Author(s).