Aceptabilidad de la autotoma para el diagnóstico de VPH entre médicos ginecólogos del cantón Cuenca, 2024

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a global public health issue that affects women. In Ecuador, morbidity and mortality rates are increasing despite multiple prevention programs against the primary vector, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Objectives: To determine the acceptability of self-sampling for HPV diagnosis among gynecologists Cuenca canton, 2024. Methodology: A descriptive, quantitative, observational cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data from 106 gynecologists working in Cuenca. Data were obtained through personal interviews recorded on physical forms. These were later entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: 35.8% of specialists are aged between 30-40 years; 44.3% have 1-10 years of clinical practice; 58.5% are women, and 65.1% work in the private sector. 66% perform Pap smears daily. 64.2% have a high level of knowledge about self-sampling. 80.2% consider it extremely important for patients to be able to take an adequate sample. 70.8% would recommend the method to all women aged ≥ 30 years, while 68.9% would not recommend it to postmenopausal women. 83% see the primary advantage as the reduction of patients' embarrassment. 98.1% consider missed pathology diagnoses due to lack of visualization of genitourinary structures during screening as the main disadvantage. Conclusions: 57.5% of respondents express positive acceptability towards offering self-sampling tests for diagnosing HPV.