Abstract C154: “It’s all about trust”- A qualitative study to inform a salon-based HPV self-collection intervention

Abstract Background: Black women in the U.S. face disproportionately higher cervical cancer mortality rates, largely due to delayed diagnoses stemming from lower screening rates. This disparity, particularly among women aged 40 to 64, is driven by factors such as provider bias and limited access to care. The recent FDA approval of HPV self-collection, along with emerging research on clinical and home-based self-sampling, offers promising opportunities to expand screening access. However, as with many health innovations, ensuring equitable distribution remains a significant challenge. This project aims to address that gap by offering HPV self-collection kits in nontraditional, trusted settings such as hair salons. We conducted a qualitative study to inform the development of a salon-based HPV self-collection intervention. Methods: We utilized REDCap to administer an open-ended question survey to gather feedback on various elements of a salon-based HPV self-collection intervention. The draft intervention was developed using, Group Concept Mapping, a Community-Based Participatory Research approach with members of the Black Community Advisory Council of Tucson (Black CACTus). Intervention components and implementation strategies were identified by study participants and incorporated into three categories (i.e., Developing Educational Materials, Training Stylists, and Implementing HPV Self-Collection in the Salon) of the draft intervention and presented back to the Black CACTus for qualitative feedback. Results: Our 10 Black CACTus members consisted of hairstylists (n=3), salon clients (n=4), and healthcare providers (n=3). All participating members identified as Black women, with two also identifying as Latina and White. Participant ages ranged from 23-53 years old. Trust was a recurring theme throughout all three intervention categories. Having diverse racial and ethnic representation in the educational materials was seen as essential to promoting trust. Participants felt that training the stylists in the HPV self-collection procedure and having them participate in their own risk testing would foster trust among clients that stylists were equipped to support them through the process. Involving medical professionals and/or experts in the development of materials, and to be available to answer questions or provide follow-up would enhance trust and confidence in the intervention. Finally, participants supported the role of stylists as trusted messengers. They expressed feeling safer and more open in the salon compared to traditional clinical settings. Conclusions: To promote equitable access to cervical cancer screening, we must expand beyond traditional clinical settings and engage trusted community spaces such as hair salons. Our qualitative study demonstrates acceptability of and enthusiasm for a salon-based HPV self-collection by salon clients, hairstylists, and medical professionals confirming that hair salons can serve as trusted community venues to enhance access to and participation in cervical cancer screening among Black women. Citation Format: Kelly N.B. Palmer, Kathleen Pryor, Azaria Suero-Davis, Jennifer Hatcher. “It’s all about trust”- A qualitative study to inform a salon-based HPV self-collection intervention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C154.