A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that at-home human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling kits could help address persistent gaps in cervical cancer screening among physically disabled women, a population that faces disproportionate barriers to traditional in-person screenings.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research-funded study, published in the Journal of Medical Screening, surveyed 1,493 UK-based women and people with a cervix who have physical disabilities or impairments. It is the first study of its kind to examine attitudes toward HPV self-sampling as an alternative to clinician-led cervical screening in this population.
Among the key findings, 63% of respondents said they would be able to perform the test themselves, and more than half indicated they would…