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Leveraging cultural-language translation apps to support and promote equitable older adult care: A scoping review TRS1 1.8 Toronto Metropolitan University, University of British Columbia Publication 2025-03-21 Chung-Lee, L. ,
Akbarian, A. ,
Yoon, R. ,
Abdulai, A. , Anoushka Anoushka, Rade Zinaic,
Stamenova, V. ,
Hou, R. ,
Wong, J. TRS1 1.8 Moving Beyond: Lost in Translation – Community Knowledge Exchange Forum This half-day, invitation-only forum at Toronto Metropolitan University brought together leaders, researchers, care providers, and community advocates to explore how language translation technologies can better serve older immigrant adults in long-term care and community settings. The event highlighted research on the use of communication apps with immigrant seniors, discussed barriers faced by aging immigrants who revert to their first language, and facilitated cross-sector dialogue to foster collaboration, innovation, and equity in care environments.Other Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2025-06-25 Other Voices from the Margins: Barriers and Facilitators to HPV Self-Sampling Among Structurally Marginalized People with a Cervix in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario Sex workers and formerly incarcerated people with a cervix face significant structural, interpersonal, and emotional barriers to cervical cancer screening, despite being at elevated risk for HPV infection. HPV self-sampling (HPV-SS) is a validated, user-directed method that has the potential to address these barriers, yet it remains excluded from Ontario's organized screening program. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of structurally marginalized individuals with a cervix who were offered HPV-SS as part of a mixed-methods pilot in the Greater Toronto Area. Five virtual focus groups were conducted with 34 participants, including both those who used the HPV-SS kit and those who declined it. Using inductive thematic analysis, we identified barriers to traditional screening including fear, stigma, mistrust of healthcare providers, logistical constraints, and a lack of accessible information. HPV-SS was widely described as more acceptable, empowering, and emotionally manageable, offering participants autonomy, privacy, and control over their care. Concerns included swab design, uncertainty about correct use, and unclear follow-up after positive results. Participants offered concrete, community-informed recommendations to improve HPV-SS implementation, including opt-in distribution models, gender-affirming language, and trauma-informed educational materials. The findings highlight the urgent need to integrate HPV-SS into organized screening programs to advance equitable access to cervical cancer prevention for marginalized populations. Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2025-06-03 Breaking Barriers: Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Self-Sampling for Sex Workers and Formerly Incarcerated Women in Toronto Background: Although cervical cancer (CC) is highly preventable through appropriate screening methods like the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which enables early detection of malignant and precancerous lesions, access to such screening has not been equitable across social groups. Sex workers and people with records of incarceration are among the most under-screened populations in Ontario. Little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of HPV self-sampling (HPV-SS) as an alternative cervical cancer screening method for these groups. This online, community-based mixed-methods pilot study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Methods: Eighty-four under- and never-screened sex workers and ex-prisoners aged 25–69 years and residing in the Greater Toronto Area, were recruited by community peer associates. Participants completed an online survey and viewed short videos about CC and screening with Pap and HPV-SS. Those who opted for HPV-SS conducted the test at one of two collaborating organizations. Results: The median age of participants was 36.5 years. Most had limited knowledge about CC and screening. Approximately 13% identified as non-binary, and 5% as two-spirit or trans men, with the majority having completed secondary education. Of the participants, 88% chose HPV-SS, and one-third tested positive for high-risk HPV types. The ability to self-sample without judgment from healthcare providers was noted as a key advantage. However, there was a need for training on proper HPV-SS techniques. Conclusions: To improve cervical cancer screening among sex workers, increasing awareness through participatory community co-creation of sexual health education is essential. Additionally, offering HPV-SS as a screening option is crucial, given its demonstrated acceptability and feasibility within this population, many of whom lack a primary care provider and face discriminatory attitudes in healthcare settings. Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-12-17
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