Acceptability of self-administered pap smears among substance abusing populations

Background: Prior studies have revealed high acceptability rates for using self-administered Pap smears as an alternative in populations where barriers may prevent access to conventional in-office cervical screening examinations. However, few studies to date have examined whether this self-screening tool would be an option among indigent women engaging in high-risk behaviors.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears among women in treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders at the Nexus Recovery Center, Dallas's largest female substance abuse treatment center.

Methodology: Six focus groups (N=48 women) were conducted among women participating in treatment at the Nexus Recovery Center. A separate focus group was conducted among members of our project advisory board (medical professionals, social workers, and recovering addicts) who guided the research. A mixed methods approach was used to analyze the data and identify themes from participants' responses.

Results: In assessing the participants' utilization of cervical cancer screenings, 30 (63%) had a Pap smear in the last two years. Preliminary analysis suggests that the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears in our study population is low.

Conclusion: The low acceptability of self-administered Pap tests in our study population is due to a perceived lack of trust in the effectiveness of this tool. This finding will be considered when developing a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive cervical cancer education program that can be integrated into substance abuse treatment centers as part of this project.