The researchers examined cervical cancer screening behaviors among these women and their acceptability of HPV self-testing at home, a potential cervical cancer screening strategy.
The researchers analyzed data from a national sample of four hundred and eighteen lesbian and bisexual women who completed our online survey. Logistic regression identified correlations of having had a Pap test in the last three years and the willingness to use an HPV self-test at home.
About 70% of women had undergone a Pap test in the last three years. Pap testing was more common among women who had disclosed their sexual orientation to their health care provider and less common among women who self-identified as a lesbian. Just over half the women were willing to use an HPV self-test at home. Women were more willing to use an HPV self-test at home if they were older or reported higher levels of worry about getting an HPV-related disease. The most common concerns about HPV self-testing at home were misusing the test and test accuracy.
The study concluded that many young lesbian and bisexual women had not had a recent Pap test.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/41/4/259
