The acceptability of HPV vaginal self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in Latin America: A systematic review

Luisa Narvaez; Manuela Viviano; Cheryl Dickson; Emilien Jeannot

doi:10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100417

The acceptability of HPV vaginal self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in Latin America: A systematic review

Public Health Pract (Oxf). 2023 Jul 31:6:100417. doi: 10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100417. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Luisa Narvaez¹, Manuela Viviano², Cheryl Dickson³, Emilien Jeannot^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Global Health - Faculty of Medicine, Chemin de Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.
² Gynecology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University Hospitals, Boulevard de la Cluse 30, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
³ Community Psychiatric Service, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.

Abstract

Objective: This review summarizes women's acceptability of vaginal self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in Latin America.

Study design: Systematic review.

Method: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase regarding the acceptance of HPV vaginal self-sampling by women over 18 years old. Articles were selected for research that was conducted in Latin America and published between January 1st, 1993, and December 31st, 2022.

Results: Fifteen publications were included. Eight publications reported an acceptance of HPV self-sampling as high as 80%, six papers found an acceptance rate between 50 and 80% and only one found an acceptance rate of less than 50%. Based on non-standardized questionnaires, women considered self-sampling more comfortable, easier, and less painful than conventional cytology. The procedure was associated with less embarrassment and a greater sense of privacy.

Conclusion: HPV vaginal-self sampling appears to be an acceptable screening method amongst eligible Latin American women.

Keywords: Acceptability cervical cancer screening; HPV; Latin-American women; Vaginal self-sampling testing.

Publication types

Review