Study Overview

HPV DNA testing detects high-risk strains of HPV which cause almost all cervical cancers. Unlike tests that rely on visual inspection, HPV DNA testing is an objective diagnostic test and leaves no space for interpretation of results. WHO recommends HPV DNA for screening and samples can be collected through self-sampling or collected by providers. We will conduct an implementation research to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and use of self-sampling for HPV DNA testing to increase coverage of cervical cancer screening in a rural area of Bangladesh. The women who will screen positive will be prospectively followed to assess their compliance related to referral, treatment and further follow-up. The study will be conducted in three purposively selected unions of Faridpur district. The effects of interventions will be assessed by comparing the coverage of women screened for cervical cancer between the two interventions arms and comparison arm as well as comparing the compliance related to referral, treatment and further follow-up. We will utilize a mixed-method approach of data collection for the study.