Experience with a self-administered device for cervical cancer screening by Thai women with different educational backgrounds.

Background: This descriptive study was carried out to test the acceptability of a self-administered device for cervical cancer screening and assess certain risk factors in relation to the cancer in two districts of Khon Kaen province in Northeast Thailand.

Methods: A total of 354 women from the villages were selected (including 143 teachers from secondary and primary schools; 24 health officers from the rural health centres, and 37 nurses from the University Hospital, Khon Kaen University). The Kato device was introduced and used by the women, who were then asked to give their opinion on its usage.

Results: The Kato device was generally well accepted by the women. However, many of those with a higher educational background were more sceptical towards the device than their counterparts from the villages.

Conclusions: A suitable approach to strengthen the control of cervical cancer in the rural areas of Thailand might be to introduce the Kato device as an integral part of primary health care. The introduction of the device should go along with health education on the importance of avoiding infection with the papilloma viruses. This message should be transmitted to both females and males.