Abstract 67: Adaptation of a Deliberative Democracy Approach in an LMIC Setting for Cervical Cancer Preventive Intervention Development

Abstract Purpose: The study adapted the deliberative democracy (DD) approach to low and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, specifically Nigeria, to develop a sustainable program for increasing access to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening methods among women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The goal was to integrate HPV self-screening into HIV service provision to improve cervical cancer screening uptake and completion of continuum of care, leveraging an existing HIV peer support program known as Mentor Mothers (MM). Methods: The research team, comprising researchers from local NGOs, in-country, and US-based academic institutions, employed a tiered DD process. The first tier involved research team deliberations to identify feasible and sustainable adaptations to the MM program. The second tier involved community stakeholder deliberations to gather diverse perspectives on the proposed adaptations. The process included expert testimonies, small and large group discussions, and consensus voting. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-conference surveys, while qualitative data were gathered from audio recordings and transcripts of the deliberation sessions. Results: We are currently enrolling into an implementation science study based on successful DD engagement of 21 community stakeholders, representing various cultural, economic and religious perspectives. The deliberation process led to consensus on two key questions: (1) the approach for collecting HPV samples, with the preferred option being group education and sample collection facilitated by MMs; and (2) the approach for returning HPV test results, with the preferred option being MMs returning all results after additional training. The analysis of data from the process demonstrated high levels of participant satisfaction, increased self-efficacy in explaining HPV screening concepts, and adherence to democratic principles of inclusivity, reasoned justification, and societal perspective. Conclusion: Our analysis showed that the DD approach was feasible and effective in the Nigerian setting, providing a structured method for engaging community stakeholders in preventive health program development. The process enhanced the legitimacy and, possibly, sustainability of the adapted HPV screening program. Future applications of DD in LMICs should consider cultural norms, resource requirements, and the need for pre-deliberation among research teams to ensure successful implementation Citation Format: Laura Gaydos, Kabiru Salami, Ifeoma Idigbe, Olutosin Awolude, Priscilla Ezemelue, Olabanjo Ogunsola, Oliver Ezechi, Tyree Staple, Waisu Yusuf, Treasure Ebikwo, Colleen McBride, Lisa Flowers. Adaptation of a Deliberative Democracy Approach in an LMIC Setting for Cervical Cancer Preventive Intervention Development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 67.