A small proof-of-concept study has shown that HPV self-testing during COVID-19 lockdown is both feasible and highly acceptable for Māori and Pasifika women. The study involved never-screened, due or overdue Māori and Pasifika women enrolled in a local Primary Health Organisation. A total of 197 eligible women were invited to take part, 86 were successfully contacted, and 61 returned completed HPV self-tests (70.9% of all contactable women). Six tests were positive (all for non-16/18 types), and women were referred for cytology. Three women had negative cytology results, and three with positive cytology results were referred for colposcopy. The study authors noted that HPV self-testing via telehealth and mail-out, alongside other options, offers a potential pro-equity approach for addressing the impact of deferred screens due to COVID-19 and other longstanding coverage issues.
