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

Sep 23, 2026

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Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk types such as HPV 16 and 18, is a major driver of cervical cancer and other malignancies. Despite UK commitments to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, participation in HPV screening is falling, disproportionately affecting underserved groups. Methods: A mixed-methods study explored awareness, barriers, and facilitators for HPV self-sampling via a multi-stakeholder survey (n=105) and online focus groups with clinicians (n=4) and the public (n=5).

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages8

Reading Time20 min

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Abstract

Objectives

Methods

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Introduction

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care [www.cambridge.org/thc](www.cambridge.org/thc) Assessment Cite this article: Ghasri S, Johnson EE, Harris BM, Forsythe I, Eastaugh C, Sadiq A, Meader N, Breckons M, Pearson F (2026) . Barriers and facilitators to using self-sampled tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV): a mixedmethods study to inform a horizon scan. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 42(1), e46, 1–8 [https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266462326103729](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266462326103729) Received: 25 September 2025 Revised: 16 March 2026 Accepted: 29 March 2026 Keywords: methods; qualitative research; human papillomavirus; self-sampling; screening Corresponding author: Eugenie Evelynne Johnson; Email: [eugenie.johnson@newcastle.ac.uk](eugenie.johnson@newcastle.ac.uk) © The Author(s), 2026 . Published by Cambridge University Press. This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence ([http://](http://)[ ](http://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited. 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 and Fiona Pearson NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, UK and Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, UK Abstract Objectives: Human 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 by2040, 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. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study to explore awareness, barriers, and facilitatorsto HPV self-sampling from clinician and public perspectives. A multi-stakeholder survey (n = 105) and two online focus groups with clinicians (n = 4) and members of the public (n = 5) were undertaken. Results: Survey 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. Conclusions: Findings highlight policy and implementation considerations for embedding HPV self-sampling within care pathways to improve uptake and reduce inequalities. Introduction The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that often causes no symptoms and can affect the skin, genital area, and throat (1). There are more than 100 types of HPV; high-risk HPV types can be linked to cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulval cancer, vaginal cancer, and some forms of h

FAQs

What was the main objective of the study?

To explore individuals’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives to understand barriers and facilitators for HPV self-sampling, informing a horizon scan for emerging tests.

How were data collected in the mixed-methods study?

Through a multi-stakeholder survey (n=105) and two online focus groups, one with clinicians (n=4) and one with members of the public (n=5).

Which factors did survey respondents identify as critical for self-sampled HPV tests?

Accuracy, cost-free availability, ease of use, accessibility, clear instructions, and adequate follow-up were highlighted as critical test features.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Aditya