Cited by 222Cervical Cancer and HPV ResearchWomen's cancer prevention and managementReproductive tract infections research

HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening: a systematic review of values and preferences

Open access
Nishimura, Holly, Yeh, Ping Teresa, Oguntade, Habibat, Kennedy, Caitlin E, Narasimhan, Manjulaa·2021·BMJ Global Health

Abstract

Introduction: The WHO recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical self-sampling as an additional screening method and HPV DNA testing as an effective approach for the early detection of cervical cancer for women aged ≥30 years. This systematic review assesses end user’s values and preferences related to HPV self-sampling. Methods: We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Embase) using search terms for HPV and self-sampling to identify articles meeting inclusion criteria. A standardised data extraction form was used to capture study setting, population, sample size and results related to values and preferences. Results: Of 1858 records retrieved, 72 studies among 52 114 participants published between 2002 and 2018 were included in this review. Almost all studies were cross-sectional surveys. Study populations included end users who were mainly adolescent girls and adult women. Ages ranged from 14 to 80 years. Most studies (57%) were conducted in high-income countries. Women generally found HPV self-sampling highly acceptable regardless of age, income or country of residence. Lack of self-confidence with collecting a reliable sample was the most commonly cited reason for preferring clinician-collected samples. Most women preferred home-based self-sampling to self-sampling at a clinic. The cervical swab was the most common and most accepted HPV DNA sampling device. Conclusions: HPV self-sampling is generally a highly accepted method of cervical cancer screening for end users globally. End user preferences for self-sampling device, method and setting can inform the development of new and expanded interventions to increase HPV screening.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This systematic review synthesizes 72 studies among 52,114 participants on end users’ values and preferences for HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening. It finds HPV self-sampling is generally highly acceptable globally, with most women preferring self-sampling over clinician sampling, though confidence in sample accuracy and access to a provider remain concerns.

Key findings

  • Across 72 studies among 52,114 participants published between 2002 and 2018, with ages ranging from 14 to 80 years, HPV self-sampling was generally highly acceptable regardless of age, income or country of residence; 57% of participants were from high-income countries.
  • Most end users preferred self-sampling over clinician sampling, citing less pain or physical discomfort, ease of use, convenience, privacy, and less embarrassment or anxiety; lack of self-confidence in collecting a reliable sample was the most commonly cited reason for preferring clinician-collected samples.
  • Most women preferred home-based self-sampling to self-sampling at a clinic; the cervical swab was the most common and most accepted HPV DNA sampling device.
  • Device preference varied: in rural Gambian women, acceptability was over 70% for all methods but preference was cervical swab 97.1%, tampon 84.4%, and clinician cervical brush 72.4%; among HIV-positive South African women, 51% preferred the cervical brush, 31% the tampon, and 18% the lavage sampler. For urine self-sampling, 95% of Micronesian women were comfortable with the urine test versus 82% for Pap smear, but more preferred clinician Pap smear (44.2%) over self-sampling (38.8%).

Methods

  • Systematic review conducted according to PRISMA; searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and Embase through 19 October 2018, plus hand-searching and secondary searching; included qualitative and quantitative studies of cervicovaginal or urine HPV self-sampling that measured acceptability or setting preference.
  • Included 72 unique studies with 52,114 participants; two reviewers independently extracted data using a standardised form, resolved differences through consensus, and stratified findings by age, location, self-sampling device, setting, and subpopulation; quality was assessed with a matrix modified from the Evidence Project risk of bias tool and CASP checklist.

Limitations

  • Stated: conference abstracts and grey literature were excluded, so findings may not fully represent the literature; diversity of measures used to assess values and preferences made comparisons across studies difficult.
  • Stated in quality assessment: common issues were sampling/selection bias (27 articles), lack of validation of survey measures, and lack of transferability (32 articles); only 3 of 72 studies were conducted in low-income countries.
  • Evident from the text: almost all studies were cross-sectional surveys, and 57% of participants were from high-income countries, limiting generalisability to low-resource settings and causal inference.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003743

Cites

99 of 99 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

26 of 39 cited sources checked · 16 supported · 2 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Among AGYW attending a teen health centre in the USA, most participants expressed a preference for clinician sampling.

    “However, most participants expressed a preference for clinician sampling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [63] source

      The Methods (Study Design; page unavailable) describe a nationwide online panel of lesbian and bisexual women aged 21–26, not attendees of a teen health centre. The Results (HPV Self-Testing; page unavailable) report that 44% would rather go to a doctor for screening, not most participants; 51% were willing to self-test at home. The paper did not directly measure a preference between clinician and self-sampling. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    HPV DNA self-sampling has been associated with improved participation in cervical cancer screening studies in low-income and middle-income countries.

    “and has been associated with improved participation in cervical cancer screening studies in low-income and middle-income countries.14”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] source

      The Abstract (page not specified) reports improved screening participation with self-collected HPV testing. But it says the ten studies reviewed were in Europe and North America, so its findings do not establish improved participation in studies in low- and middle-income countries. (LLM, conf=0.91)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    In a study of Swedish women with CIN, 85% of participants rated self-sampling procedures (urine and cervical swab) as easy.

    “In a study of Swedish women with CIN, 85% of participants rated self-sampling procedures (urine and cervical swab) as easy”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [66] Andersson, 2018, Is self-sampling to test for high-risk papillomavirus an acceptable option among women who have been treated for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia?, PLoS One source

      The Results section reports that over 85% of participants considered self-collection easy to carry out. The Methods section says participants self-collected urine and vaginal-fluid samples; cervical scrape samples were collected by clinicians, not by self-sampling. Thus the percentage is supported, but the claim's description of a self-collected cervical swab is not. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    In the same sample of Micronesian women, more women preferred a clinician to perform a Pap smear (44.2%) over self-sampling (38.8%).

    “Despite higher ratings for urine self-sampling, more women preferred a clinician to perform a Pap smear (44.2%) over self-sampling (38.8%) because they valued the knowledge and expertise of the clinician.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] Sy, 2017, Acceptability and feasibility of a community based participatory research project comparing cytology and urine HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening in YAP, Federated states of Micronesia, Cancer Epidemiol source

      The women research participant survey (Results §3.1; page not provided) reports that 44.2% preferred a doctor or nurse to perform the Pap smear, compared with 38.3% who preferred providing their own urine sample—not 38.8%. The focus group findings (Results §3.3; page not provided) link the preference for clinician collection to participants’ confidence in skilled, knowledgeable screeners. (LLM, conf=0.93)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    In a sample of Micronesian women, 95% of participants said they were comfortable with the urine test compared with 82% for the Pap smear.

    “In a sample of Micronesian women, 95% of participants said they were comfortable with the urine test compared with only 82% for the Pap smear.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] Sy, 2017, Acceptability and feasibility of a community based participatory research project comparing cytology and urine HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening in YAP, Federated states of Micronesia, Cancer Epidemiol source
  • May combine two claims. 32
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 28
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Among AGYW attending a teen health centre in the USA, acceptability for both self-sampling and clinician sampling was high.

    “Among AGYW attending a teen health centre in the USA, acceptability for both self-sampling and clinician sampling was high.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [63] source

      Methods (Study Design; page unavailable) says participants were lesbian and bisexual women aged 21–26 recruited through an online LGBT panel, not attendees of a teen health centre. Results (HPV Self-Testing; page unavailable) reports 51% willing to use an HPV self-test at home, rather than high acceptability for both self- and clinician sampling; clinician-sampling acceptability was not measured. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    HPV DNA testing is recommended by WHO, the US Preventive Services Task Force and Australian, US and European national screening programme guidelines as an effective approach for the early detection of cervical cancer for women aged 30 years and older.

    “HPV DNA testing is recommended by WHO, the US Preventive Services Task Force and Australian, US and European national screening programme guidelines as an effective approach for the early detection of cervical cancer for women ≥30 years.7–9”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [7] World Health Organization . Guidelines for screening and treatment of precancerous lesions for cervical cancer prevention, 2013. Available: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/cancers/screening_and_treatment_of_precancerous_lesions/en/

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [8] source

      Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [9] Moyer, 2012, Screening for cervical cancer: U.S. preventive services Task force recommendation statement, Ann Intern Med source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

    “We conducted this systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.21”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    A coding matrix was modified from the Evidence Project risk of bias tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative studies to facilitate data extraction related to quality assessment.

    “A coding matrix was modified from the Evidence Project risk of bias tool23 and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative studies to facilitate data extraction related to quality assessment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A qualitative study of women in Switzerland found that younger women were used to visiting a gynaecologist and did not see the necessity of changing this practice.

    “A qualitative study of women in Switzerland found that younger women were used to visiting a gynaecologist and did not see the necessity of changing this practice”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [24] Fargnoli, 2015, To what extent will women accept HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening? A qualitative study conducted in Switzerland, Int J Womens Health source
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In that study, women in rural Uttar Pradesh (93.1%), Hyderabad (95.5%), Uganda (64.5%) and Nicaragua (50.0%) preferred self-sampling over clinician sampling.

    “The study found that women in rural Uttar Pradesh (93.1%), Hyderabad (95.5%), Uganda (64.5%) and Nicaragua (50.0%) preferred self-sampling over clinician sampling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [70] source

      Table 2 in Results > Ease and preference of self-sampling reports the four self-sampling percentages exactly as quoted. But in Nicaragua, 50.0% preferred self-collection and 50.0% preferred provider collection, so women there did not prefer self-sampling over clinician sampling. (LLM, conf=0.91)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In that Swiss study, some older women, less used to regular gynaecological appointments, were more in favour of self-sampling, especially if they previously had had a negative experience with pelvic examinations.

    “while some older women, less used to regular gynaecological appointments, were more in favour of self-sampling, especially if they previously had had a negative experience with pelvic examinations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [24] Fargnoli, 2015, To what extent will women accept HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening? A qualitative study conducted in Switzerland, Int J Womens Health source
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In that study, more than half of surveyed respondents in each site reported self-sampling as 'easy', with the lowest percentage in Hyderabad (53.6%) and the highest in Uganda (89.7%).

    “More than half of surveyed respondents in each site reported self-sampling as ‘easy’ with the lowest percentage in Hyderabad (53.6%) and the highest percentage in Uganda (89.7%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Willingness to self-sample at home among lesbian and bisexual AGYW increased with age and concern about getting an HPV-related disease.

    “Willingness increased with age and concern about getting an HPV-related disease.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Among HIV-positive women in South Africa, rural women preferred the cervical brush over other sampling devices, whereas urban women preferred the tampon over other devices.

    “HIV-positive rural women preferred the cervical brush over other sampling devices, whereas urban women preferred the tampon over other devices.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [51] Mahomed, 2014, Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on self-collected specimens: perceptions among HIV positive women attending rural and urban clinics in South Africa, Pan Afr Med J source
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    HPV DNA self-sampling is a promising screening method that, when offered to women in low-resource settings, can address barriers that create inequalities in access to cervical cancer screening.

    “HPV DNA self-sampling is a promising screening method that, when offered to women in low-resource settings, can address barriers that create inequalities in access to cervical cancer screening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [97] Defo VF , JFJAjoe D . Why consider self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in Low-and middle-income countries? 2020;22:116–25. source
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Screening with high uptake will expedite reductions and will be necessary to eliminate cervical cancer in countries with the highest burden.

    “Screening with high uptake will expedite reductions and will be necessary to eliminate cervical cancer in countries with the highest burden.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [98] Brisson, 2020, Impact of HPV vaccination and cervical screening on cervical cancer elimination: a comparative modelling analysis in 78 low-income and lower-middle-income countries, The Lancet source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The 72 included studies included a total of 52,114 participants.

    “The 72 studies included a total of 52 114 participants”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Of the included participants, 57% were from high-income countries.

    “Of the included participants, 57% were from high-income countries.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Studies were conducted in a variety of countries, including all WHO regions and all World Bank country income classification categories.

    “Studies were conducted in a variety of countries, including all WHO regions and all World Bank country income classification categories (high, middle and low income).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Participants ranged in age from 14 to 80 years.

    “Participants ranged in age from 14 to 80 years.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Common issues with study quality were sampling/selection bias, lack of validation of survey measures and lack of transferability of values and preferences results.

    “Common issues with study quality were sampling/selection bias, lack of validation of survey measures and lack of transferability of values and preferences results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Other study quality concerns identified included no consideration of study limitations, preference bias due to patient-physician interaction, recall bias, social desirability bias, low response rate and high loss to follow-up.

    “Other study quality concerns identified in this review included: no consideration of study limitations, preference bias due to patient–physician interaction, recall bias, social desirability bias, low response rate and high loss to follow-up.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Study populations typically included adult end users.

    “Study populations typically included adult end users.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Five studies employed a multimethod or mixed methods design.

    “Five studies employed a multimethod or mixed methods design.47 67–70”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Six qualitative studies asked about hypothetical acceptability of HPV self-sampling.

    “Six qualitative studies asked about hypothetical acceptability of HPV self-sampling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Articles were published between 2002 and 2018, with 50% published since 2015.

    “Articles were published between 2002 and 2018, with 50% published since 2015.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Sample sizes for individual included studies ranged from 17 to 9484.

    “sample sizes for individual studies ranged from 17 to 9484”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    One study assessed test-retest reliability and content validity of acceptability measures, but psychometric properties of acceptability were not conducted consistently across studies.

    “One study assessed test–retest reliability and content validity of acceptability measures,64 but psychometric properties of acceptability were not conducted consistently across studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    End users generally found HPV self-sampling acceptable and/or expressed willingness to undergo future HPV testing using self-sampling.

    “End users generally found HPV self-sampling acceptable and/or expressed willingness to undergo future HPV testing using self-sampling.24 26 27 30 32 34 36–39 41 42 44 46 47 50 53 54 56 58 60–63 66–69 71 73 74 79–85 87–93 95”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A total of 58 studies employed a quantitative approach: 47 cross-sectional studies, two pre-post surveys, eight RCTs and one prospective cohort.

    “A total of 58 studies employed a quantitative approach: 47 cross-sectional studies,41–46 48 50–63 65 66 71–94 two pre–post surveys,64 95 eight RCTs33–40 and one prospective cohort.49”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Almost all included studies were cross-sectional surveys, though some study designs included in-depth interviews and/or focus group discussions.

    “Almost all studies were cross-sectional surveys, though some study designs included in-depth interviews and/or focus group discussions.24–32”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most (n=67) quantitative studies focused on end users in high-income countries, while only 15 quantitative studies were conducted in low-income or lower middle-income countries.

    “Most (n=67) quantitative studies focused on end users in high-income countries, while only 15 quantitative studies were conducted in low-income or lower middle-income countries.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Two qualitative studies examined cervicovaginal self-sampling device preferences, two examined urine self-sampling and one examined self-sampling with a labial padette.

    “Two qualitative studies examined cervicovaginal self-sampling device preferences,26 28 two examined urine self-sampling30 66 and one examined self-sampling with a labial padette.29”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Of the nine qualitative studies, seven were conducted in high-income countries in Europe and North America.

    “Of the nine qualitative studies, seven were conducted in high-income countries in Europe and North America24–29 31”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Reasons for preferring clinic-based testing were lack of confidence in ability to self-sample and ability to receive treatment if needed.

    “Reasons for preferring clinic-based testing were lack of confidence in ability to self-sample57 and ability to receive treatment if needed.70”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Preferences related to self-sampling including sampling device, method and setting varied by region, subpopulation and age, though most end users found the process of self-sampling acceptable overall.

    “Preferences related to self-sampling including sampling device (eg, swab, brush and tampon), method (eg, cervicovaginal and urine), setting (eg, home, clinic and community-based site) varied by region, subpopulation and age, though most end users found the process of self-sampling acceptable overall.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Clear, step-by-step instructions with illustrations in the appropriate language were suggested as methods to facilitate self-sampling and improve end users' confidence.

    “In addition, clear, step-by-step instructions with illustrations in the appropriate language were suggested as methods to facilitate self-sampling and improve end users’ confidence.62 68 79 81”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Self-sampled specimens are seen as acceptable in terms of ease of use, convenience, privacy, and physical and emotional comfort, including decreased embarrassment, anxiety, and pain.

    “Self-sampled specimens are seen as acceptable in terms of ease of use, convenience, privacy, and physical and emotional comfort (including decreased embarrassment, anxiety, and pain).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In high-income countries, samples collected at home were usually sent for processing using the postal service, whereas in some low-income and middle-income countries, self-sampled specimens were collected by community health workers conducting home visits for processing from the homes of participants rather than mail.

    “In high-income countries, samples collected at home were usually sent for processing using the postal service, whereas in some low-income and middle-income countries, self-sampled specimens were collected by community health workers conducting home visits for processing from the homes of participants rather than mail.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The cervical swab was by far the most common and well accepted HPV DNA sampling device.

    “The cervical swab was by far the most common and well accepted.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Most women experiencing homelessness found the labial padette to be an acceptable form of self-sampling and preferred it over clinician sampling using a cervical brush, though some were concerned about reliability of the self-sampled specimens.

    “Most women found the labial padette to be an acceptable form of self-sampling and was preferred over clinician sampling using a cervical brush though some women were concerned about reliability of the self-sampled specimens.29”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Several studies assessed women's preferences for different self-sampling devices and acceptability was generally high for all devices.

    “Several studies assessed women’s preferences for different self-sampling devices and acceptability was generally high for all devices.26 28 32–34 49–51 54 67 80 89”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a sample of HIV-positive South African women, the highest preference was for the cervical brush (51%), while fewer women preferred the tampon (31%) or lavage sampler (18%).

    “a sample of HIV-positive South African women rated the highest preference for the cervical brush (51%), while fewer women preferred the tampon (31%) or lavage sampler (18%).51”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Other devices tested included the lavage, cervical brush, tampon and labial padette.

    “Other devices tested included the lavage,74 81 85 cervical brush,42–44 48 52 53 55 60 69 70 72 79 82 84 86–88 92 94 95 tampon32 34 49–51 and labial padette.29”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only 3 of the 72 studies included in this review were conducted in low-income countries, leaving a critical gap in understanding of end users' preferences in these settings.

    “Only 3 of the 72 studies included in this review were conducted in low-income countries, leaving a critical gap in understanding of end users’ preferences in these settings.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    In some low-income and middle-income countries, community health workers collected specimens self-sampled by participants for processing during home-visits.

    “In some low-income and middle-income countries, community health workers collected specimens self-sampled by participants for processing during home-visits.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    HPV self-sampling is generally a highly accepted method of cervical cancer screening for women across the world.

    “HPV self-sampling is generally a highly accepted method of cervical cancer screening for women across the world.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Typically, per current recommendations, cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA testing are collected by a clinician during a pelvic examination.

    “Typically, per current recommendations, cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA testing are collected by a clinician during a pelvic examination.8 9”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites 8 9

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In areas with high endemic HIV, WHO recommends that sexually active girls and women, regardless of age, should be screened as soon as they have tested positive for HIV.

    “In addition, in areas with high endemic HIV, WHO recommends that sexually active girls and women, regardless of age, should be screened as soon as they have tested positive for HIV.7”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] World Health Organization . Guidelines for screening and treatment of precancerous lesions for cervical cancer prevention, 2013. Available: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/cancers/screening_and_treatment_of_precancerous_lesions/en/

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Previous reviews have found generally high acceptability of HPV DNA self-sampling.

    “Although previous reviews have found generally high acceptability of HPV DNA self-sampling, end users’ values and preferences regarding self-sampling method, device and setting have not been explored.13 15–17”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites 13 15–17

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Two reviewers independently assessed all full-text articles for study inclusion eligibility and resolved differences through consensus.

    “Two reviewers independently assessed all full-text articles for study inclusion eligibility and resolved differences through consensus.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    End user preferences for self-sampling device, method and setting can inform the development of new and expanded interventions to increase HPV screening.

    “End user preferences for self-sampling device, method and setting can inform the development of new and expanded interventions to increase HPV screening.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: HPV testing must be acceptable to end users, in particular those who are underscreened and most vulnerable to cervical cancer, for screening programmes to succeed.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Understanding end users' preferences for self-sampling is critical for reaching the WHO global target of 70% HPV screening coverage by 2030.

    “Understanding end users’ preferences for self-sampling is critical for reaching the WHO global target of 70% HPV screening coverage by 2030.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: HPV testing must be acceptable to end users, in particular those who are underscreened and most vulnerable to cervical cancer, for screening programmes to succeed.
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Two reviewers independently used a standardised data abstraction form to capture information on location of study, study population, sample size and results related to values and preferences from each study, and differences in data abstraction were resolved through consensus, with a third reviewer as needed.

    “Two reviewers independently used a standardised data abstraction form to capture information on location of study, study population, sample size and results related to values and preferences from each study. Differences in data abstraction were resolved through consensus, with a third reviewer as needed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The preference for cervical swab could be due to greater familiarity with cervical swab.

    “but this preference could be due to greater familiarity with cervical swab.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    We did not include conference abstracts or grey literature in this review, so our findings may not fully represent the full body of literature on values and preferences for HPV self-sampling.

    “We did not include conference abstracts or grey literature in this review, so our findings may not fully represent of the full body of literature on values and preferences for HPV self-sampling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Given the diversity of measures used to assess values and preferences, it is difficult to make comparisons across studies and therefore difficult to determine the specific aspects of self-sampling that clients find acceptable and whether these hold true for clients in different age groups, geographic regions and socioeconomic status.

    “Given the diversity of measures used to assess values and preferences, it is difficult to make comparisons across studies and therefore difficult to determine the specific aspects of self-sampling that clients find acceptable and whether these hold true for clients in different age groups, geographic regions and socioeconomic status.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
53 of 53
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    WHO recommends HPV cervical self-sampling as an additional screening method.

    “The WHO recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical self-sampling as an additional screening method”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    HPV testing must be acceptable to end users, in particular those who are underscreened and most vulnerable to cervical cancer, for screening programmes to succeed.

    “Understanding end users’ values and preferences related to self-sampling is critical because HPV testing must be acceptable to end users, in particular those who are underscreened and most vulnerable to cervical cancer.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Understanding women’s preferences for HPV self-sampling is a critical factor for expanding choice, coverage and uptake of cervical cancer screening.

    “Understanding women’s preferences for HPV self-sampling is a critical factor for expanding choice, coverage and uptake of cervical cancer screening.”
3 of 3

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Reported minimum study size excludes a 15-person study

    Minor

    The stated minimum sample size is 17, but Table 2 lists Katz's study with a sample size of 15.

  • Eligibility requires performed self-sampling, but hypothetical-use studies are included

    Minor

    The inclusion criteria require participants who performed self-sampling, yet Table 2 includes studies classified as hypothetical rather than actual use.

  • High-income quantitative study count exceeds all quantitative studies

    Minor

    The paper says 67 quantitative studies focused on high-income countries, but reports only 58 quantitative studies in total.

  • A cited home self-sampling study is listed as clinic-based

    Minor

    Study 49 is cited among studies in which users self-sampled at home, but Table 2 gives its setting as clinic.

  • A quantitative urine study is called qualitative

    Minor

    The text includes study 66 among two qualitative studies examining urine self-sampling, while Table 2 classifies study 66 as quantitative.

5 of 5

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Giorgi Rossi, 2013, Hpv self-sampling, Int J Gynecol Cancer, 23, 43

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Nishimura, H., Yeh, P. T., Oguntade, H., Kennedy, C. E., & Narasimhan, M.
Affiliations
  • Johns Hopkins University (US)
  • World Health Organization (CH)
Corresponding author
Nishimura, Holly
Venue
BMJ Global Health
Publisher
BMJ
Published
2021-05
Volume
6
Issue
5
Pages
e003743
ISSN
2059-7908 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3163098986
Cited by
222
References
98
Citations by year
2026: 53 · 2025: 57 · 2024: 46 · 2023: 39 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 10
FWCI
5.90
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • BMJ Global Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • World Health Organization
  • The Children's Investment Fund Foundation
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Cervical Cancer and HPV Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Women's cancer prevention and management
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Microbiology › Reproductive tract infections research
Keywords
HPV self-sampling, cervical cancer screening, HPV testing, end-user preferences, acceptability, cervical swabs, clinician-collected samples, home-based screening, women's health
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Self Care, Papillomaviridae, Papillomavirus Infections, Alphapapillomavirus, Early Detection of Cancer, Young Adult

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-16.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-16.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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