Opportunities to flip the narrative from burden to action for young women joining the National Cervical Screening Programme in Aotearoa New Zealand: a Kaupapa Māori qualitative exploration of experiences and knowledge of cervical screening for 18-30 year olds.

INTRODUCTION

Aotearoa New Zealand's National Cervical Screening Programme uses human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing. It is important for 25-year-olds to join the cervical screening programme so that cervical cancer can be prevented, detected, and ultimately eliminated, but screening uptake by younger women is low.

AIM: The study aimed to hear young women's thoughts, experiences, and knowledge of cervical screening, including their ideas for encouraging participation in the cervical screening programme.

METHODS

The study was part of a wider mixed-methods implementation trial based in Te Tai Tokerau. This qualitative component was grounded in a Kaupapa Māori methodology, by, for, and with Māori, involving a structural analysis of inequities and hearing from participants via semi-structured interviews. Interviews with 24 women aged between 18 and 30 and one whānau (family) were undertaken.

RESULTS

Data were organised into four pou (pillars): Rangatiratanga (self-determination, autonomy, sovereignty), Manaaki (support, encouragement, whanaungatanga), Kura (education, public health campaigns), and Mana Taurite (equity, access issues, system issues).

DISCUSSION: The empowering and easy elements of the HPV self-test, and playing an active part in cervical cancer elimination, encourage young women to participate in cervical screening, but cost is the greatest barrier to screening access. General practice also plays a critical role in championing cervical screening. This has implications for better primary care resourcing to connect and support young women to screening. HPV self-testing in the National Cervical Screening Programme has the opportunity to flip the narrative of cervical screening from burden to action.