He Tapu Te Whare Tangata (sacred house of humanity): Under-screened Māori women talk about HPV self-testing cervical screening clinical pathways.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an in-depth understanding of HPV self-testing cervical screening clinical pathways for never-/under-screened Māori women.

METHODS

Based on a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial in Aotearoa (New Zealand), a Kaupapa Māori (by Māori, for Māori) qualitative study enrolled Māori women who met the eligibility criteria of the HPV trial intervention (aged 25-69 years, no screen in >4 years). In total, 28 were recruited (22 had a negative test, six had a positive test and colposcopy). They were asked about their clinical pathway.

RESULTS

The HPV self-test was seen as empowering and promoting bodily autonomy, although some women expressed fears or misconceptions about this new technology. While those with a negative test were relieved, for the six women who had a positive test, there were many fears, compounded by seeking out information on the Internet. When attending colposcopy, the importance of support and responsive care was emphasized.

CONCLUSION

HPV self-testing has the potential to improve access to cervical screening and reduce inequities for Māori. Care must be taken in the delivery of screening and colposcopy results. Primary care and colposcopy services need to take special care with never-/under-screened Māori women to provide sensitive, responsive care, and mitigate trauma.