Usability of the device for self-collected sampling for HPV testing among African American women in the Mississippi Delta

Studies have also shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) testing may be more effective than Pap Smear in screening for cervical cancer (CxCa) due to its higher sensitivity and reliability. Although the development and availability of accurate self-collection combined with HPV testing could increase detection of cervical precancer for prevention of CxCa , the public health benefits of such a screening strategy will only be obtained if the self-collection is accepted and used by at-risk populations. We examined the usability of a self-collection device among 9 African American women 30 years of age and older in the Mississippi Delta through two discussion groups. The first group focused on education about CxCa and HPV infection and detailed instructions about how to use the device by one of the female investigators (who had used the device herself). They were given the opportunity to handle the device during the session, and ask questions. Participants were given the kit, written instructions on how to use the device, and a phone number in case they had questions or experience any problems when trying the device at home. The second group focused on their feedback regarding the device usability: 62.5% of participants had heard about HPV prior to their participation in the group; 100% of participants reported that self-collection device was easy to use and caused no significant difficulties; only one participant experienced some discomfort; written instructions were very helpful; and participants expressed that the explanation by a female who used the device was crucial.