Implementing community-based human papillomavirus self-sampling with SMS text follow-up for cervical cancer screening in rural, southwestern Uganda
Naima T. Joseph, Alexcer Namuli, Bernard Kakuhikire, Charles Baguma, Mercy Juliet, Patience Ayebare, Phionah Ahereza, Alexander C. Tsai, Mark J. Siedner, Thomas R Randall, Joseph Ngonzi, Adeline A. Boatin
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Self-collected HPV screening may improve cervical cancer screening coverage in low resource countries, yet data guiding implementation and follow-up of abnormal results are sparse. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort implementation study of HPV self-testing program in Mbarara, Uganda with mobile phones to facilitate result notification and referral for treatment at a regional hospital. The effectiveness of the interventions was analyzed using Proctor's model of implementation. Women were interviewed following screening and at 6 months to assess acceptability and barriers to follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of SMS text-based referrals, only one-third of women presented for clinical follow-up after abnormal HPV testing.