Uptake of cervical screening and attitudes to HPV self-sampling in Irish Traveller women, an ethnic minority group.

Abstract

Background: The Traveller population is a distinct minority ethnic group, formally recognised by the Irish Government in 2017. Irish Travellers have a lower life expectancy and poorer health expectancy than the general population. Internationally, HPV self-sampling is being considered as an option to improve uptake in cervical screening, particularly in underrepresented groups. It is not currently offered in Ireland, but assessment of acceptability is ongoing. The aim of this study was to determine the uptake of cervical screening and the acceptability of HPV self-sampling in eligible Traveller women.

Methods: A face-to-face survey by and with Travellers, adapted from the National Cancer Control Programme's (NCCP) 2022 National Survey on Cancer Awareness, was conducted by Traveller Community Health workers in partnership with Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre.

Results: 483 Travellers participated; 306 (63.1%) were women and 191 (39.5%) were in the eligible group for cervical screening (women aged 25-65). Of these, 142 (74%) had ever received an invitation; of those who received an invitation, 125 (89%) attended at least once. Over 73% of those attending cervical screening advised they attended all screening appointments. 37 (19.4%) reported HPV self-sampling as acceptable, 87 (45.5%) as unacceptable to them and 31 (16.2%) were unsure and would like more information. Of the 37 who reported HPV self-sampling as acceptable, 18 (50%) were non (7) or irregular (11) attenders at screening.

Conclusion: HPV self-sampling has the potential to overcome, for some Traveller women, the practical and personal barriers which may prevent them from responding to standard cervical cancer screening.