Knowledge towards human papilloma virus (hpv) and acceptability of hpv dna self sampling testing for cervical cancer prevention in rural population

Purpose: To evaluate knowledge regarding HPV and acceptability of HPV DNA self sampling among female adult in rural population in East Malaysia. Methods: Ninety eight women aged 18 to 65 years old who attended medical camp in Kaingaran village, Sabah were recruited in this cross sectional study. Demographic data were recorded through face to face interview for age, race, educational status, marital status, religion, occupation, total monthly income, parity, social background, Pap smear status, knowledge regarding HPV and cervical cancer. All women were shown a Delphi Screener specimen collection kit (Delphi Bioscience, Scherpenzeel, The Netherlands) for HPV self-sampling and given clear pictorial and verbal instructions about how it would be used by the main researcher. The respond to perform the test documented and factors that may contribute to the willingness were obtained. Findings: Majority of the participant had deficient knowledge towards HPV and cervical cancer with median score of 1(0-4). However, a total of 73 (74.5%) of the women agreed to perform HPV DNA self sampling due to the needs to perform the test rather than the thought they were at risk for HPV infection. There was a positive association regarding the level of education with the willingness to perform the test. Beside that, 92% women who were not willing to perform gave a reason of worried regarding improper technique. There was no association factors identified for the willingness of HPV DNA self sampling. Implication for practice: The knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer were deficient in rural population in East Malaysia thus call for the need of more educational program to be widely distributed. The acceptability of HPV DNA self sampling was good in the rural area hence it would be an alternative in improving cervical cancer screening program in these rural area.