Acceptability of Integrated Community-Based HIV and Cervical Cancer Screening in Mayuge District, Uganda

Abstract

PURPOSETo assess the acceptability of integrated screening for cervical cancer and HIV in the community setting.METHODSWe developed surveys for patients and community health workers (CHWs) who participated in the Advances in Screening and Prevention in Reproductive Cancers (ASPIRE) Mayuge trial that compared self-collected human papillomavirus testing at home versus community health meetings in Mayuge district, Uganda. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Open-ended questions were analyzed using an inductive approach with thematic content analysis.RESULTSWe conducted 102 patient surveys and 31 CHW surveys between June and August 2021. Ninety-nine percent of patients and 100% of CHWs indicated that they would find the addition of an HIV test to their self-collected cervical cancer test acceptable. The most frequently stated reasons in favor of adding an HIV test to the ASPIRE Mayuge cervical cancer screening pathways were time-saving, privacy, and support from other women and CHWs. The most frequently stated reasons against integrated screening were related to concerns about confidentiality, most often in reference to women's family members and other women in their village.CONCLUSIONIntegrated community-based cervical cancer and HIV testing would be highly acceptable to both women and CHWs.