The Emotional Impact of Testing Positive for High-Risk HPV: an Exploration of Cis-Women’s Experiences Following a Positive Test Result in the UK

Abstract

Aims: High-risk HPV is often stigmatised and feminised. Testing positive for high-risk HPV is associated with a range of distressing emotional and relational responses. The aims of this study were to explore the emotional experience of cis-gender women testing positive for high-risk HPV in the UK. Specifically, it explored sense making and meaning making. Method: Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with cis-gender women who had tested positive for, or were diagnosed with, high-risk HPV at routine cervical screening. The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four Group Experiential Themes were identified showing the extent of emotional and psychological distress associated with testing positive for high-risk HPV. Ten sub-themes were identified. These showed the impact of high-risk HPV at several levels from societal through to individual. The themes highlighted the impact of stigma and feminisation, emotional distress associated with interactions with NHS systems, and experiences of connection and disconnection. Finally, the themes highlighted this process as an emotional journey, and the impact on identity and control. Implications: Findings of this study were discussed alongside relevant theory and literature with careful consideration of clinical implications. The implications suggested a need to consider language and narratives when high-risk HPV is discussed both within the NHS and wider services (e.g. schools), the impact of assigned female at birth only testing, the delivery of positive test results, and better integration of physical and mental health in relation to high-risk HPV.