Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Corresponding Author Christine M. Gunn Phone: Christine. Gunn bmc. In the United States the incidence rates of anal cancer have increased from 0. Even with the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection is increasingly associated with a higher risk of anal cancer Crum-Cianflone et al.
Patients with abnormal anal cytology are referred for a colposcopic evaluation of the anus called high resolution anoscopy HRA where directed biopsies may diagnose anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions AIN which are likely precursors to cancer Jay et al. Once identified, these lesions are ablated or excised in hopes of preventing progression to anal cancer. However, the performance characteristics of anal cytology, HRA, and Human Papilloma Virus HPV testing as well as the prevalence and incidence of detection of precancerous lesions have been based on cohort studies of HIV-infected men who have sex with men who have undergone repeated concurrent anal cytology and HRA evaluations.
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The efficacy of these anal cancer screening tools in HIV-positive women is unknown as clinical practices around screening for anal cancer have been inconsistent among HIV-positive women, despite potential for early detection and removal of precancerous lesions Heard et al. Since HIV-infected women have a high prevalence of depression and significant history of trauma and sexual violence Kimerling et al.
This is especially salient given the lower rates of participation in medical care among women who have experienced abuse and trauma following an HIV diagnosis Maniglio, These are important considerations when engaging this vulnerable population in anal cancer screening strategies and warrant further examination. Ensuring the acceptability of concurrent anal cancer screening research among women needs to be evaluated in conjunction with clinical outcomes.
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To date there has been no examination of health beliefs about anal cancer screening research among a vulnerable population of HIV-infected women. Therefore, we assessed the barriers and motivators to participation in anal cancer screening research among urban HIV-infected women. We conducted a cross-sectional survey measuring attitudes and beliefs about anal cancer screening research to identify characteristics of women who indicate they would be willing to participate in these studies.
