Development of a Cervical Cancer Screening Model Using HPV Self-Sampling with Community Health Volunteer Participation at Yang Talat Hospital, Kalasin Province

Abstract

     Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern among Thai women, particularly in rural areas where access to screening services is hindered by barriers such as distance, cost, and concerns regarding privacy. This study aimed to develop a community-based cervical cancer screening model using HPV self-sampling, facilitated through the active participation of village health volunteers (VHVs) in the service areas of Yang Talat Hospital, Kalasin Province. A participatory action research (PAR) approach was employed, incorporating the theories of social support and self-efficacy. The study was conducted in three phases: problem assessment, model development, and evaluation of effectiveness. The sample consisted of 58 women aged 30–65 and 20 VHVs. Results showed that key barriers to screening access included distance (15–25 kilometers), cost (80–120 baht per visit), and low knowledge levels (mean score: 7.8 out of 15). The developed model significantly increased the screening participation rate from 0% to 46.6% (p < 0.001), improved women’s knowledge scores from 7.8 to 13.2 (p < 0.001), and enhanced VHV knowledge from 24.6 to 67.1(p < 0.001). The target group reported high satisfaction with the model (mean score: 4.6), and sustainability evaluation showed high scores across all dimensions (mean: 4.5/5.0). This HPV self-sampling model with VHV participation effectively improved access to cervical cancer screening, enhanced knowledge and awareness, and demonstrated strong sustainability, making it adaptable to other rural communities with similar contexts.