HPV self-collection education materials can boost screening confidence when language, visuals and inclusivity address key concerns.
Why HPV Self-Collection Education Materials Matter
Women living with chronic conditions and or living in poverty experience higher cervical cancer risk in part due to lower screening participation. HPV self-collection has the potential to improve cervical cancer screening (CCS) in under screened groups by reducing barriers, yet some patients remain unsure they can collect a sample correctly. This qualitative study explored how printed HPV self-collection education materials could be strengthened to improve self-efficacy for completing the test.
What Women Said Would Improve Patient Education Materials
Researchers conducted three focus groups with 13 women living in zip codes associated with high poverty rates or chronic conditions in north central Florida. Discussions were guided by the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills model and the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT-P). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Participants highlighted several opportunities to improve information delivery. They wanted simplified language, clearer explanations of HPV and cervical cancer, and more explicit instructions on mailing procedures. Women also raised the need for clear guidance on how results are accessed and interpreted, alongside visual elements that reinforce medical soundness and safety.
Motivation related feedback focused on accessibility and inclusion. Participants recommended offering materials in multiple languages and designing content that feels relevant to all women, without unintentionally excluding groups through imagery or tone.
For behavioral skills, women emphasized the value of stronger visual aids and step by step direction to instructional videos. Suggestions included zoomed in images and depicting variable female anatomy figure positions to better illustrate device insertion and improve actionability.
Clinical Takeaway for Cervical Cancer Screening Programs
These findings suggest that well designed, inclusive patient education materials may increase confidence in HPV self-collection, which could support higher CCS participation in underserved women. For clinicians and screening program leaders, pairing self-collection access with clearer instructions, practical visuals, and transparent results pathways may help address common concerns that limit uptake.
Reference: Mkuu RS et al. Improving Patient Education Materials for HPV Self-Collection: Insights from Women at High Risk of Developing Cervical Cancer. Cancer Manag Res. 2025;17:3273-3284.
