Version 1
: Received: 30 October 2024 / Approved: 30 October 2024 / Online: 31 October 2024 (09:48:50 CET)
How to cite:
Vahabi, M.; Hynes, J.; Wong, J. P.; Kithulegoda, N.; Moosapoor, M.; Akbarian, A.; Lofters, A. Breaking Barriers: Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Self-Sampling for Sex Workers and Formerly Incarcerated Women in Toronto. Preprints2024, 2024102507. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2507.v1
Vahabi, M.; Hynes, J.; Wong, J. P.; Kithulegoda, N.; Moosapoor, M.; Akbarian, A.; Lofters, A. Breaking Barriers: Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Self-Sampling for Sex Workers and Formerly Incarcerated Women in Toronto. Preprints 2024, 2024102507. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2507.v1
Vahabi, M.; Hynes, J.; Wong, J. P.; Kithulegoda, N.; Moosapoor, M.; Akbarian, A.; Lofters, A. Breaking Barriers: Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Self-Sampling for Sex Workers and Formerly Incarcerated Women in Toronto. Preprints2024, 2024102507. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2507.v1
APA Style
Vahabi, M., Hynes, J., Wong, J. P., Kithulegoda, N., Moosapoor, M., Akbarian, A., & Lofters, A. (2024). Breaking Barriers: Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Self-Sampling for Sex Workers and Formerly Incarcerated Women in Toronto. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2507.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Vahabi, M., Abdolreza Akbarian and Aisha Lofters. 2024 "Breaking Barriers: Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Self-Sampling for Sex Workers and Formerly Incarcerated Women in Toronto" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2507.v1
Abstract
Background:
Although cervical cancer (CC) is highly preventable through appropriate screening methods like the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which enables early detection of malignant and precancerous lesions, access to such screening has not been equitable across social groups. Sex workers and people with records of incarceration are among the most under-screened populations in Ontario. Little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of HPV self-sampling (HPV-SS) as an alternative cervical cancer screening method for these groups. This online, community-based mixed-methods pilot study aimed to address this knowledge gap.
Methods
Eighty-four under- and never-screened sex workers and ex-prisoners aged 25–69 years and residing in the Greater Toronto Area, were recruited by community peer associates. Participants completed an online survey and viewed short videos about CC and screening with Pap and HPV-SS. Those who opted for HPV-SS conducted the test at one of two collaborating organizations.
Results
The median age of participants was 36.5 years. Most had limited knowledge about CC and screening. Approximately 13% identified as non-binary, and 5% as two-spirit or trans men, with the majority having completed secondary education. Of participants, 88% chose HPV-SS, and one-third tested positive for high-risk HPV types. The ability to self-sample without judgment from healthcare providers was noted as a key advantage. However, there was a need for training on proper HPV-SS techniques.
Conclusion
To improve cervical cancer screening among sex workers, increasing awareness through participatory community co-creation of sexual health education is essential. Additionally, offering HPV-SS as a screening option is crucial, given its demonstrated acceptability and feasibility within this population, many of whom lack a primary care provider and face discriminatory attitudes in healthcare settings.
Keywords
cervical cancer; screening; HPV- self sampling; sex workers; formerly incarcerated women; access to health; discrimination
Subject
Public Health and Healthcare, Primary Health Care
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
