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Opportunities for cancer prevention at syringe services programs: acceptability of HPV self-sampling and vaccination among people who inject drugs
- Source :
- Harm Reduction Journal, Vol 21, Iss 1, Pp 1-6 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- BMC, 2024.
-
Abstract
- Abstract Introduction Despite having a high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, people who inject drugs (PWID) often do not receive recommended HPV screenings due to barriers to healthcare. Guideline-based cervical HPV screening and vaccination can prevent cervical cancer. Low-cost, low-barrier methods for cancer screening and prevention are important for vulnerable communities such as PWID. Methods We examined acceptability of HPV self-sampling at a syringe services program (SSP). Participants with a cervix (n = 49) participated in patient education followed by a survey to assess willingness to perform HPV self-sampling versus standard of care. Results 59% found self-sampling to be acceptable, citing privacy, ease, and quickness. Among those opting for HPV screening delivered by a provider (n = 16), participants cited concerns about adequate sampling (81%) and test accuracy (75%). Notably, only 18% of participants reported complete HPV vaccination. Conclusion Cervical HPV self-sampling was acceptable to PWID. SSP-based efforts to provide preventative health services could place tools for cancer screening into the hands of PWID, a need-to-reach community.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14777517
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Harm Reduction Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.8f2303d0fd0543249c260a05e8d6f0d4
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-024-00982-3