HPV Self-sampling in Indigenous Communities: A Scoping Review.

Indigenous women have higher rates of cervical cancer and cervical cancer mortality compared to non-Indigenous women, as well as unique challenges to accessing screening services. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has been demonstrated as an effective measure to reach under-screened women. A scoping review identified 19 sources matching selection criteria through a systematic search of PubMed and Scopus completed in May 2018. Analysis revealed that this is a limited field of research; albeit one that has undergone growth in the last 7 years. HPV self-sampling is identified as easy, convenient, comfortable and private and is often preferred over Papanicolaou (Pap) testing. Despite largely positive experiences, several studies indicated that some women lacked confidence in their ability to adequately self-sample. HPV self-sampling may be an effective intervention where Pap testing adherence is low but should include supporting resources and community input so as to best tailor implementations to each community.