Self-Sampling for HPV Testing in African American Women - Mississippi Delta

Our objective is to examine the efficacy and costs of a patient-centered approach ("Choice" between self-sampling and Pap test) in adherence to cervical cancer screening as compared to Pap test at the local health department ("Pap") among un/under-screened African American women in the Mississippi Delta.

HYPOTHESES: Women in the "Choice" arm will have a higher cervical cancer screening adherence as well as higher satisfaction than women assigned to the "Pap" arm; (2) Within the "Choice" arm, more women will choose and complete self-sampling than Pap test; and (3) The "Choice" intervention will be on average less costly and more cost-effective than the "Pap" intervention.

SPECIFIC AIMS: (1) To compare the impact of these two intervention approaches, "Choice" versus "Pap", on cervical cancer screening adherence through a group randomized controlled trial; (2) To compare patient satisfaction between the two intervention approaches; and (3) To compare the costs and cost-effectiveness of these two intervention approaches, "Choice" versus "Pap".

STUDY DESIGN: 12 towns will be randomized to either "Choice" or "Pap" (180 women/arm). Peer Health Educators (PHEs) will identify African American women who report not having undergone cervical cancer screening in the past three years and deliver a brief theory-based, cultural relevant educational session on cervical cancer and screening using a door-to-door approach. Women randomized to the "Pap" arm will be provided with information on how to schedule an appointment at the local health department. Women randomized to the "Choice" arm will be given the choice of attending the health department for a Pap test or self-collecting their own sample at home to be sent for HPV testing. PHEs will follow-up with women in either arm who have a positive test in order to assure diagnostic evaluation and care.