scholarly journals Self-collection for under-screened women in a National Cervical Screening Program: pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Saville ◽  
D. Hawkes ◽  
E. Mclachlan ◽  
S. Anderson ◽  
K. Arabena
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Instruction Sheet ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Collection Programs ◽  
Oncogenic Hpv

Background Commencing 1 December 2017, Australia introduced human papillomavirus (hpv)-based cervical screening. As part of this Australian renewed National Cervical Screening Program (ncsp) women who are either never- or under-screened and who refuse a practitioner collected sample will be able to collect their own sample for cervical screening. The aim of this study is to examine the quantitative results of a pilot study into the acceptability of the self-collection alternative pathway.Methods Eligible participants were offered the opportunity to collect their own sample. Those who agreed were given a flocked swab and an instruction sheet and took their own sample in an area of the health care clinic that afforded them adequate privacy. These samples were then given to clinic staff who returned them to Victorian Cytology Service (vcs) Pathology for hpv nucleic acid testing.Results Of 98 eligible women, seventy-nine undertook self-collection for hpv-based cervical screening. Seventy seven produced valid results, 14 were positive for oncogenic hpv, with 10 undertaking follow-up. Three women were found to have cervical squamous abnormalities with two of those being high-grade intraepithelial squamous lesions.Conclusion The pilot study for self-collection for cervical screening produced quantitative data that were similar to that already reported in the literature, but had a much higher rate of acceptance compared with self-collection programs based in the home.

scholarly journals Smartphone-Enhanced Training, QA, Monitoring, and Evaluation of a Platform for Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges to Implementation in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
pp. 1114-1123
Author(s):  
Karen Yeates ◽  
Erica Erwin ◽  
Zac Mtema ◽  
Frank Magoti ◽  
Simoni Nkumbugwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Visual Assessment ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Supportive Supervision ◽  
Health Providers

PURPOSE Until human papillomavirus (HPV)–based cervical screening is more affordable and widely available, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is recommended by the WHO for screening in lower-resource settings. Visual inspection will still be required to assess the cervix for women whose screening is positive for high-risk HPV. However, the quality of VIA can vary widely, and it is difficult to maintain a well-trained cadre of providers. We developed a smartphone-enhanced VIA platform (SEVIA) for real-time secure sharing of cervical images for remote supportive supervision, data monitoring, and evaluation. METHODS We assessed programmatic outcomes so that findings could be translated into routine care in the Tanzania National Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. We compared VIA positivity rates (for HIV-positive and HIV-negative women) before and after implementation. We collected demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and loss-to-follow-up data. RESULTS From July 2016 to June 2017, 10,545 women were screened using SEVIA at 24 health facilities across 5 regions of Tanzania. In the first 6 months of implementation, screening quality increased significantly from the baseline rate in the prior year, with a well-trained cadre of more than 50 health providers who “graduated” from the supportive-supervision training model. However, losses to follow-up for women referred for further evaluation or to a higher level of care were considerable. CONCLUSION The SEVIA platform is a feasible, quality improvement, mobile health intervention that can be integrated into a national cervical screening program. Our model demonstrates potential for scalability. As HPV screening becomes more affordable, the platform can be used for visual assessment of the cervix to determine amenability for same-day ablative therapy and/or as a secondary triage step, if needed.

scholarly journals Outcomes for Treatment of Hypersexual Behavior Provided by Specialized Social Welfare Units

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Kjellgren
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hypersexual Behavior ◽  
Group Design ◽  
The Social ◽  
Seeking Help

Purpose: This study explores outcomes of treatment provided by specialized units within the social welfare sector in Sweden to clients seeking help with hypersexual behavior. Method: The participants were 27 males and 1 female ( M = 40.3 years) who sought help from one of the three specialized units within social welfare in Sweden. A pretest–posttest group design was used to assess changes after treatment. Quantitative data were collected through interviews and self-report forms. Results: At posttreatment stage (on average a 10-month follow-up), mental health was significantly improved and hypersexual behavior reportedly reduced. The treatment at the specialized units appeared to help the clients. Conclusions: The specialized units seemed to deliver favorable service without shaming and stigmatizing participants. As this study can be considered a pilot study, it needs to be replicated.

scholarly journals A pilot study of risk-stratified cervical cancer screening

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Jiangrong Wang ◽  
K. Miriam Elfström ◽  
Christer Borgfeldt ◽  
Joakim Dillner
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Screening Programs

Background: Cervical screening programs target entire populations, although it is well established that cervical cancer risks can vary >100-fold based, in particular, on the woman’s screening history. Since cervical screening switched to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary screening method, the risk differences are even larger as different HPV types may vary in associated cancer risk by 100 times. Furthermore, HPV infections with the most oncogenic types are declining dramatically because of HPV vaccination programs. Tailoring screening intensity based on the known cancer risk of the individual (risk-stratified screening) therefore has great potential to increase both the sensitivity and specificity. Within Horizon 2020 a major project for RIsk-stratified Screening for Cervical Cancer (RISCC) has therefore been launched. We performed a pilot study of risk-stratified screening to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of offering vaginal HPV self-sampling tests to women with a higher risk of cervical cancer. Methods: We identified resident women who had had either i) atypical glandular cells in screening tests during the past six years (risk >150/100,000 woman-years) or ii) abnormal screening findings above the age of 50, but without sufficient follow-up (risk >65/100,000). The women were invited, either by short message service (SMS) or physical letters, to order an HPV self-sampling kit via the study web-platform. The returned self-collected samples were tested for HPV. If positive, women were invited for clinical follow-up. Results: Among 920 targeted women, 191 (21%) placed an order and 163 (18%) returned a self-collected sample. Among all tested samples, 19 (12%) were positive for hrHPV and 18 of these women attended clinical follow-up. Conclusions: We found that SMS invitations to high-risk women are feasible and result in substantial requests for kits and submission of samples. Future work will focus on improving the efficiency of the procedure and further increasing attendance.

scholarly journals A Serious Game Approach to Improve Food Behavior in Families—A Pilot Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid Skouw ◽  
Anja Suldrup ◽  
Annemarie Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Positive Change ◽  
Serious Game ◽  
Food Behavior ◽  
Baseline Test ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Families With Children ◽  
Positive Effect

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a specially developed serious game to improve food behavior in families with children aged 5–13 years using mixed methods. Fourteen families were randomized into a game-group and a non-game-group and divided into age groups (game-children (GC), game-parents (GP), non-game-children (nGC), and non-game-parents (nGP)). The families completed a baseline test, a three-week intervention period with or without a game element, and a follow-up test. Qualitative results showed a positive change in food behavior in all families. Quantitative results mainly showed an effect in food neophobia as a decrease was seen in all groups; however, it was only significant (p < 0.05) in three groups (GP, nGC, nGP). No changes were seen in willingness to taste, and only limited changes in liking and number of words used to describe the stimuli. In conclusion, qualitative results showed positive change in the children’s food behavior in most families, indicating a positive effect of performing tastings and tasks together as a family—regardless of the presence of a game element. However, this was not as clear in the quantitative data, indicating that current quantitative tools are less suited to measure complex concepts like willingness to taste.

scholarly journals New cervical screening program in Albania. Access and barriers in all levels of health system

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Ylli ◽  
K Filipi ◽  
L Shundi ◽  
A Fico ◽  
M Risto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Systematic Screening ◽  
Primary Health Care Centers

Abstract Background In 2019 Albania started a national screening program which uses as primary screening examination the high risk Human Papilloma Virus (hrHPV) testing. It targets women 40-50 years old providing systematic screening tests, as part of the routine examinations at primary health care centers. The evaluation study aimed to identify the performance of the program in its first year, barriers and satisfaction of women. Methodology A representative sample of 200 women, positive in screening test, was retrieved from the database of program information system. They were interviewed during the period October-November 2019, using a standardized questionnaire. Results Although the risk of being hrHPV-positive was higher in cities (OR = 1.52; 95%CI=1.29-1.81), the program was used more by women living in rural areas compared to those living in urban areas (OR = 1.81; 95%CI =1.74-1.89). 60.2% of women found the vaginal sampling procedure very simple and 72.4% not at all painful. 95.8% of women received the test results within two months. At the time of the survey, 90.4% of HPV-positive women had gone for follow up visit (71.7%) or were planning to go as soon as possible (18.7%). 35.2% of women who have performed colposcopy, have chosen private healthcare, with 7.8% going abroad. Higher education increased the odds to use a private facility or go abroad for the follow up visit. 87.2% of women reported substantial worries about the positive result. 89.8% of the sample rated the overall service as 'good' or 'very good'. Conclusions While results from the first evaluation show good acceptance from users, the program should address the proportion of women who chose private clinics for follow up examination. Key messages Results from the first evaluation of the cervical screening program in Albania show good acceptance from users. Program should address the proportion of women who chose private clinics for follow up examination.

scholarly journals Completing the cervical screening pathway: Factors that facilitate the increase of self-collection uptake among under-screened and never-screened women, an Australian pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. McLachlan ◽  
S. Anderson ◽  
D. Hawkes ◽  
M. Saville ◽  
K. Arabena
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Alternative Pathway ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
The Self ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Never Screened

Objectives To examine factors that enhance under-screened and never-screened women’s completion of the self collection alternative pathway of the Renewed National Cervical Screening Program (ncsp) in Victoria, Australia.Background With the Australian ncsp changing, starting on 1 December 2017, the Medical Services Advisory Committee (msac) recommended implementing human papillomavirus (hpv) testing using a self-collected sample for under-screened and never-screened populations. In response, a multi-agency group implemented an hpv self collection pilot project to trial self-collection screening pathways for eligible women.Methods Quantitative data were collected on participation rates and compliance rates with follow-up procedures across three primary health care settings. Forty women who self-collected were interviewed in a semi-structured format, and seven agency staff completed in-depth interviews. Qualitative data were used to identify and understand clinical and personal enablers that assisted women to complete self-collection cervical screening pathways successfully.Results Eighty-five per cent (10 women) of participants who tested positive for hpv successfully received their results and completed follow-up procedures as required. Two remaining participants also received hpvpositive results. However, agencies were unable to engage them in follow-up services and procedures. The overall participation rate in screening (self-collection or Pap test) was 85.7% (84 women), with 79 women self-collecting. Qualitative data indicated that clear explanations on self-collection, development of trusting, empathetic relationships with health professionals, and recognition of participants’ past experiences were critical to the successful completion of the self-collection pathway. When asked about possible inhibitors to screening and to following up on results and appointments, women cited poor physical and mental health, as well as financial and other structural barriers.Conclusion A well-implemented process, led by trusted, knowledgeable, and engaged health care professionals who can provide appropriate support and information, can assist under-screened and never-screened women to complete the hpv self-collection pathway successfully.

scholarly journals Use of Mixed Method Approach on the Norms and Beliefs Related to Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Aged 25-49 in Botswana: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 31s-31s
Author(s):  
E. Ntsayagae ◽  
B. Koyabe ◽  
T. Major ◽  
O. Molwane ◽  
B. Monare
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Background: A low cervical cancer screening uptake has been reported among women in low middle income countries (Idowu et al, 2016; Ndejjo et al, 2016), including Botswana. An important first step in increasing any health related behavior is to identify factors that affect that behavior. Identifying the norms and beliefs could influence cancer screening among women and would therefore influence the development of interventions to encourage women to screen. Aim: The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to investigate the norms and beliefs related to cancer screening among women aged 25-49 years in Botswana. Methods: The study employs a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design in two purposively selected districts in Botswana. In the first qualitative phase focus group discussions were conducted. Information learned was used to construct a semistructured interview guide for individual interviews. Mixed method allows for triangulation of data as the qualitative data would be mapped with quantitative data to explore emerging norms and beliefs among Batswana women. This research approach was informed by theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior and social cognitive theory. Results: Qualitative results revealed that lack of knowledge about cervical cancer, behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs and control beliefs held by Batswana women contributed to their failure to go for cervical cancer screening. Quantitative data are yet to be analyzed. Conclusion: The results will yield information to design and evaluate a series of interventions to maximize the number of women going for cervical screening hence reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Botswana.

A Pilot Study of Mobile Telephone Message Interventions with Suicide Attempters in China

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Brian L. Mishara ◽  
Xiao Xian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mobile Telephone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Quick Method ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
To Receive

Background: In China, where follow-up with hospitalized attempters is generally lacking, there is a great need for inexpensive and effective means of maintaining contact and decreasing recidivism. Aims: Our objective was to test whether mobile telephone message contacts after discharge would be feasible and acceptable to suicide attempters in China. Methods: Fifteen participants were recruited from suicide attempters seen in the Emergency Department in Wuhan, China, to participate in a pilot study to receive mobile telephone messages after discharge. All participants have access to a mobile telephone, and there is no charge for the user to receive text messages. Results: Most participants (12) considered the text message contacts an acceptable and useful form of help and would like to continue to receive them for a longer period of time. Conclusions: This suggests that, as a low-cost and quick method of intervention in areas where more intensive follow-up is not practical or available, telephone messages contacts are accessible, feasible, and acceptable to suicide attempters. We hope that this will inspire future research on regular and long-term message interventions to prevent recidivism in suicide attempters.

Microcirculation of the fingers in Raynaud’s syndrome

2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (01) ◽  
pp. 29-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Garai ◽  
J. Varga ◽  
G. Szücs ◽  
Z. Galajda ◽  
C. András ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Medicine ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Semiquantitative Analysis ◽  
Perfusion Scintigraphy ◽  
Visual Evaluation ◽  
Raynaud’S Syndrome ◽  
Raynaud's Syndrome ◽  
Primary Form

Summary Aim: We investigated the circulatory characteristics of patients suffering of primary and secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Patients, methods: We examined 106 patients presenting with the classical symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrom (47 primary, 59 secondary) by hand perfusion scintigraphy developed by our Department of Nuclear Medicine. After visual evaluation we analyzed the images semiquantitatively, using the finger to palm ratio. We statistically compared the patients with primary and those with secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Results: By visual evaluation we constated regional perfusion disturbances in 42 from 59 patients with secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. However, this was observed in only 3 from 47 patients with the primary form of this disease. This difference was statistically significant (p <0.001). Semiquantitative analysis showed that the finger/palm ratios (FPR) were significantly lower (p <0.05) for the patients with primary Raynaud’s syndrome. No differences in the FPR values concerning sex or right and left side. Conclusion: The hand perfusion scintigraphy with 99mTc-DTPA is a noninvasive, cost effective diagnostic tool, which objectively reflects the global and regional microcirculatory abnormalities of the hands, and provides quantitative data for follow-up.

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