Objective: Human papillomavirus–related anal cancer rates are increasing and are particularly high in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM/MSM), especially HIV-positive individuals. Although screening programs for high-risk populations have been advocated, concerns about possible adverse psychological consequences exist. This study aimed to investigate GBM/MSM's experience, understanding and emotional response to screening techniques for anal cancer to determine how best to minimise psychological distress in future programs. Methods: In-depth qualitative face-to-face interviews were conducted with 21 GBM/MSM participating in the “Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer” in Sydney, Australia, between June 2013 and June 2014. Nonrandom, purposive sampling was used to ensure heterogeneity with respect to HIV status and screening test results. Framework analysis method was used to organise the data and identify emerging themes. Results: Knowledge about anal cancer, human papillomavirus and the link between them was limited. Abnormal screening results affected participants' sense of well-being and were associated with anxiety and concern about developing anal cancer. HIV-negative men receiving abnormal results showed higher levels of distress compared to their HIV-positive counterparts. Consultations with general practitioners about abnormal results had an important role in increasing participants' understanding and in moderating their anxiety. Conclusion: Anal cancer screening should be accompanied by health education around anal cancer, its aetiology and the meaning of associated test results. Simple and effective communication strategies should be encouraged. Collaboration with general practitioners could assist the process of education and reporting test results.

Russo, S., Mccaffery, K., Ellard, J., Poynten, M., Prestage, G., Templeton, D., et al. (2018). Experience and psychological impact of anal cancer screening in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a qualitative study. PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, 27(1), 125-131 [10.1002/pon.4480].

Experience and psychological impact of anal cancer screening in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a qualitative study

Russo S.
Primo
;
2018

Abstract

Objective: Human papillomavirus–related anal cancer rates are increasing and are particularly high in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM/MSM), especially HIV-positive individuals. Although screening programs for high-risk populations have been advocated, concerns about possible adverse psychological consequences exist. This study aimed to investigate GBM/MSM's experience, understanding and emotional response to screening techniques for anal cancer to determine how best to minimise psychological distress in future programs. Methods: In-depth qualitative face-to-face interviews were conducted with 21 GBM/MSM participating in the “Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer” in Sydney, Australia, between June 2013 and June 2014. Nonrandom, purposive sampling was used to ensure heterogeneity with respect to HIV status and screening test results. Framework analysis method was used to organise the data and identify emerging themes. Results: Knowledge about anal cancer, human papillomavirus and the link between them was limited. Abnormal screening results affected participants' sense of well-being and were associated with anxiety and concern about developing anal cancer. HIV-negative men receiving abnormal results showed higher levels of distress compared to their HIV-positive counterparts. Consultations with general practitioners about abnormal results had an important role in increasing participants' understanding and in moderating their anxiety. Conclusion: Anal cancer screening should be accompanied by health education around anal cancer, its aetiology and the meaning of associated test results. Simple and effective communication strategies should be encouraged. Collaboration with general practitioners could assist the process of education and reporting test results.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
anal cancer screening; cancer; HIV; human papillomavirus; oncology; psychological impact;
anal cancer screening; cancer; HIV; human papillomavirus; oncology; psychological impact; Adult; Anus Neoplasms; Anxiety; Australia; Bisexuality; HIV Seropositivity; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Early Detection of Cancer; HIV Seronegativity; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Medical Education
English
2018
27
1
125
131
none
Russo, S., Mccaffery, K., Ellard, J., Poynten, M., Prestage, G., Templeton, D., et al. (2018). Experience and psychological impact of anal cancer screening in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a qualitative study. PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, 27(1), 125-131 [10.1002/pon.4480].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/284908
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