Opportunities for cancer prevention at syringe services programs: acceptability of HPV self-sampling and vaccination among people who inject drugs.
Harm Reduct J
; 21(1): 70, 2024 Mar 27.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38539215
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Despite having a high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, people who inject drugs (PWID) often do not receive recommended HPV screenings due to barriers to healthcare. Guideline-based cervical HPV screening and vaccination can prevent cervical cancer. Low-cost, low-barrier methods for cancer screening and prevention are important for vulnerable communities such as PWID.METHODS:
We examined acceptability of HPV self-sampling at a syringe services program (SSP). Participants with a cervix (n = 49) participated in patient education followed by a survey to assess willingness to perform HPV self-sampling versus standard of care.RESULTS:
59% found self-sampling to be acceptable, citing privacy, ease, and quickness. Among those opting for HPV screening delivered by a provider (n = 16), participants cited concerns about adequate sampling (81%) and test accuracy (75%). Notably, only 18% of participants reported complete HPV vaccination.CONCLUSION:
Cervical HPV self-sampling was acceptable to PWID. SSP-based efforts to provide preventative health services could place tools for cancer screening into the hands of PWID, a need-to-reach community.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa
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Neoplasias do Colo do Útero
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Infecções por Papillomavirus
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Usuários de Drogas
Limite:
Female
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article