UF researchers take action to improve HPV self-testing accessibility and confidence

A group of University of Florida Health researchers are taking action to boost cervical cancer screening in women. Results from their study are published in Cancer Management and Research and summarized in a press release.

With self-collection quickly becoming the preferred method for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, the researchers wanted to find ways to further remove screening barriers and improve patient confidence. They developed focus groups with 13 higher-risk participants. Each participant currently resides in areas with low screening rates.

The focus groups revealed “three areas of opportunity to improve education materials” for HPV screening, including:

1. Adding user-friendly language and clear instructions for mailing in specimen
2. Utilizing illustrations and images “to make instructions easy to follow”
3. Increasing education accessibility by translating materials into multiple languages