1. Testing key messages about extending cervical screening intervals.
- Author
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A.V. Marlow, Laura, Nemec, Martin, Barnes, Jessica, and Waller, Jo
- Subjects
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PAPILLOMAVIRUS disease diagnosis , *RESEARCH , *RESEARCH methodology , *EARLY detection of cancer , *MEDICAL screening , *EVALUATION research , *COMPARATIVE studies , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *PAPILLOMAVIRUS diseases , *IMPACT of Event Scale , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *RESEARCH funding ,CERVIX uteri tumors - Abstract
Objectives: We tested the impact of different messages about the rationale for extended cervical screening intervals on acceptability of an extension.Methods: Women in England aged 25-49 years (n = 2931) were randomised to a control group or one of 5 groups given different messages about extending cervical screening intervals from 3 to 5 years. Outcome measures were general acceptability and six components from the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).Results: The groups who saw additional messages (47-63%) were more likely to find the change acceptable than controls (43%). Messages about interval safety, test accuracy and speed of cell changes resulted in more positive affective-attitudes, higher ethicality beliefs, a better understanding of the reasons for extended intervals and greater belief in the safety of 5-year intervals. Being up-to-date with screening and previous abnormal results were associated with finding 5-yearly screening unacceptable.Conclusions: Emphasising the slow development of cell changes following an HPV negative result and the safety of longer intervals, alongside the accuracy of HPV primary screening is important.Practical Implications: Campaigns explaining the rationale for extended cervical screening intervals are likely to improve acceptability. Though women who feel at increased risk, may remain worried even when the rationale is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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