Abstract PO-055: HPV knowledge, screening barriers and facilitators, and sources of health information among women living with HIV: Perspectives from the DC community

Abstract

Background: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cervical cancer cases. Despite available prevention methods through the HPV vaccine and two screening modalities, women continue to die from cervical cancer worldwide. Cervical cancer is preventable, yet affects a great number of women living with HIV (WLH). Low screening rates among WLH further exasperates their already high risk of developing cervical cancer due to immunosuppression. Purpose: This study explores WLH's current cervical cancer knowledge, screening barriers and facilitators, and sources of health information. Methods: Focus group discussions were conducted with 39 WLH aged 21 years old or older, who resided in the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area. Emergent themes were classified and organized into overarching domains and assembled with representative quotations. Results: The women had limited knowledge of HPV and the cervical cancer screening guidelines for WLH. Screening barriers also included decreased accessibility to cervical cancer screenings, a novel issue caused by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Screening facilitators included knowing someone diagnosed with cervical cancer and provider recommendations. WLH indicated that they obtained health information through in-person education (providers, peer groups) and written literature. Due to the pandemic, they also had to increasingly rely on remote and technology-based communication channels such as the internet, social media, television, radio, email, and SMS text messaging. Conclusions: Future health interventions need to explore the possibility of sharing messages and increasing cervical cancer and HPV knowledge of WLH through the use of SMS and other technology-based channels.