Acceptance of Self-Sampling by Women Not Regularly Participating in Cervical Cancer Screening in Areas with Low Medical Density: A Qualitative Study within the French CapU4 Trial.

Simple Summary: In spite of effective preventive tools, an estimated 3159 women were still diagnosed with cervical cancer (CC) in France in 2023, and 1117 died from the disease. We investigated women's opinions on CC screening and how the offer of self-sampling kits could address barriers impeding the outreach of under-screened populations in three rural French administrative departments with low medical density and/or low screening participation rates. The qualitative study confirmed acceptability to receive self-sampling kits but also highlighted the need for clear, adapted, and simple instructions and information (preferably from a healthcare professional) on what to do in case of a positive result. Women embarrassed by genital self-examination may prefer urine collection kits. Cervical cancer (CC) was diagnosed in 3159 women in France in 2023, and 1117 died from it. Organized screening for cervical cancer is potentially very effective for participating women. However, reaching under-screened populations remains a major challenge. The present qualitative study explored women's opinions on what discourages or encourages them to participate in CC screening and assessed the acceptability of two experimental strategies (urinary or vaginal self-sampling kits) to increase the screening coverage in three rural French administrative departments with low medical density and/or low screening participation rates. Forty-eight semi-structured interviews and four focus groups were conducted by a team of psychologists. Results showed that the participants accepted at-home self-sampling to reach non-participating women in medically underserved areas. However, they suggested that the type of kit sent should be adapted to the patient's profile (embarrassment from earlier exams, cultural aspects, fear of invasiveness, etc.), and that kits should be simple to use (in understandable language taking sociocultural aspects into account). Women wished to be assured that testing on self-samples is accurate and needed information about further actions in case of a positive result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]