Abstract
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.