Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41969060›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of technology assessment in health care2026

Barriers and facilitators to using self-sampled tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV): a mixed-methods study to inform a horizon scan.

Soheila Ghasri, Eugenie Evelynne Johnson, Bethan Molly Harris, Imogen Forsythe, Claire Eastaugh, Adetutu Sadiq, Nick Meader, Matthew Breckons, Fiona Pearson

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in International journal of technology assessment in health care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Soheila GhasriNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.
Eugenie Evelynne JohnsonNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3324-7141
Bethan Molly HarrisNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1859-2695
Imogen ForsytheNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.
Claire EastaughNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.
Adetutu SadiqNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.
Nick MeaderNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.
Matthew BreckonsNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.
Fiona PearsonNIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesHuman papillomavirus (HPV), particularly high-risk types such as HPV 16 and 18, is a major cause of cervical cancer and other cancers. Despite the United Kingdom's (UK's) commitment to cervical cancer elimination by 2040, participation in HPV screening is declining, disproportionately affecting underserved groups, including those experiencing poverty, people from minoritized racial, ethnic, gender, or sexual identity groups, and people living with HIV.

methodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study to explore awareness, barriers, and facilitators to HPV self-sampling from clinician and public perspectives. A multi-stakeholder survey (

resultsSurvey respondents identified accuracy, cost-free availability, ease of use, accessibility, clear instructions, and adequate follow-up as critical test features. Participants emphasized that disability, cultural context, language, and socioeconomic status strongly influence barriers and facilitators to uptake. Focus groups provided contextual depth, illustrating how privacy, logistical and emotional impacts, and supportive follow-up pathways shaped acceptability and trust. Clinicians highlighted the need for integration into healthcare infrastructure to maintain trust and ensure support. Public participants recommended community-driven engagement, including multilingual instructions and tailored communication to encourage adoption among diverse groups. Concerns were raised about unintended consequences, such as anxiety following asymptomatic HPV diagnoses and challenges in managing clinical pathways after positive results. Suggestions included leveraging community organizations to reduce hesitancy.

conclusionsFindings highlight policy and implementation considerations for embedding HPV self-sampling within care pathways to improve uptake and reduce inequalities.

Indexed as

Human Papillomavirus VirusesPapillomavirus InfectionsAdultEarly Detection of CancerFemaleFocus GroupsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHealth Services AccessibilityHumansMaleMass ScreeningMiddle AgedUnited KingdomUterine Cervical Neoplasmshuman papillomavirusmethodsqualitative researchscreeningself-sampling

Identifiers

PMID41969060
PMCPMC13161927

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.