Perspectives on Cervical Cancer Prevention Strategies and a Combination Treatment for Cervical Precancer in South African Women Living with HIV and Male Partners
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Introduction
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women worldwide, with 85% of cases occurring in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). Women living with HIV (WLWH) are at a particularly high risk of developing for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3) and cervical cancer, and the standard surgical treatment is far less effective in this population. Thus, research on medical therapies and combination treatment options remain a priority. In preparation for a clinical trial involving adjuvant intravaginal 5-fluorouracil (5FU) cream following surgical treatment for CIN2/3, we explored the acceptability of our proposed intervention among WLWH and male partners.
Methods
We conducted qualitative interviews with WLWH and male partners in Johannesburg, South Africa between April 2022 and September 2022. We invited WLWH to participate in semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs), while male partners were invited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs). The analysis utilized a rapid, deductive approach in which quotations were identified and categorized into relevant domains: factors affecting cervical cancer screening, the initiation of 5FU vaginal cream, and adherence to 5FU.
Results
We conducted 9 FGDs comprising 48 WLWH and 18 IDIs with male partners. The mean age of participants was 43 years, and the majority (75%) had completed secondary education. Most women (75%) had also undergone Pap smear screening and 50% had a prior abnormal Pap smear. Qualitative analysis revealed that education on HPV and cervical cancer, prior experience with the health system, and social perceptions/stigma influenced cervical cancer screening uptake and were important factors in the initiation of and adherence to 5FU. Men’s knowledge about cervical cancer was extremely limited. Overall, participants’ perceptions of the proposed trial intervention were positive, with most participants expressing confidence that women would be able to use and adhere to the intravaginal 5FU cream. Concerns raised included possible effects of 5FU on fertility, contraceptive requirements, and the recommendation for brief periods of abstinence following cream use to prevent partner side effects.
Conclusions
Although participants had some cervical cancer knowledge, misperceptions about HPV and cervical cancer were common and prevented follow-up for abnormal Pap results. Participants emphasized the need for thorough counseling about 5FU, citing this as integral for uptake. Utilizing stakeholder input to design the clinical trial is necessary to promote acceptability and adherence to the trial intervention.
