Acceptability of Self-Sample Human Papillomavirus Testing Among Thai Women Visiting a Colposcopy Clinic

We offered self-sampling devices to 250 women who visited the colposcopy clinic at Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from March 1 to June 30, 2015. Participants received instruction about the vaginal self-sample method and collected the specimen themselves, before being examined by the physician who obtained a conventional cervical specimen. Participating women’s attitudes and feelings regarding the self-sample method were explored using a short questionnaire. Of the 247 eligible women, more than 90% of participants rated the self-sample method as very good to excellent for convenience, comfort, and safety. In addition, 80% of participants reported the overall experience of using the self-sample device was very good to excellent compared with the physician-collected method. Self-sample HPV testing appears to be highly accepted and perceived as convenient, comfortable, and safe. More studies on self-sample HPV testing should be conducted in Thailand to investigate this as an alternative method of cervical cancer screening, particularly among women who do not attend the screening program.