522 Assessing the acceptability of HPV self-sampling test among hard-to-reach women: A pre-post intervention study in Portugal

Abstract EP1.3, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 4, 2025, 10:05 - 10:25 Aims To explore the anticipated and experienced acceptability of HPV self-sampling test among hard-to-reach women in Portugal. Methods A pre-post intervention study was conducted in Portugal under the Horizon 2020 ELEVATE project with women of low socioeconomic status and migrants, recruited through community-based organizations in Lisbon. A total of 111 women attended an educational session on cervical cancer and screening and used a HPV self-sampling kit on site. Pre- and post-self-sampling questionnaires were applied. Analyses were conducted in R and included descriptive statistics and non-parametric Wilcoxon tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Before self-sampling, most participants expected the self-sampling test to be easy (90.9%), quick (76.5%), and trustworthy (92.8%), and confident performing it correctly (93.7%). Nearly half disagreed with potential concerns such as pain (44.1%), nervousness (57.6%), or needing assistance (41.4%). After self-sampling, these positive views were largely maintained. Compared to before self-sampling, 13% more participants disagreed that the test was painful (p < 0.001), and 11% more disagreed that it made them feel nervous (p = 0.023). The proportion who felt they needed assistance significantly decreased by 10.6% (p < 0.001), and the agreement that the test was fast significantly increased by 19% (p < 0.001). Trust in results (p = 0.52), embarrassment (p = 0.34), and confidence in performing the test correctly (p = 0.165) remained stable. Perceptions of ease (p = 0.94) and comfort (p = 0.106) improved slightly but were not statistically significant. Conclusion HPV self-sampling was found acceptable to most participants, highlighting its potential to reduce barriers and inequalities in cervical cancer screening. Future research should assess long-term adherence, screening uptake, user experiences in larger, more diverse populations and effective implementation strategies in routine care. The findings highlight the high potential of the HPV self-sampling test to be accepted and used, particularly by hard-to-reach women, contributing to equitable access to screening practices.