HPV Equity Study: Exploring Cervical Cancer Control in Scotland for Women With Experience of Priority Risks

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · May 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The HPV Equity Study is a clinical trial aimed at understanding how to better prevent cervical cancer among women in Scotland who face unique challenges, such as experiencing homelessness, substance use, transactional sex, or incarceration. These women are at a higher risk for cervical cancer but often do not participate in routine vaccinations or screenings. The study will explore how effective it is to offer the HPV vaccine during regular sexual health check-ups and gather information on participants' experiences and attitudes towards accessing these health services.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be women aged 25 to 45 who have a cervix and have experienced one of the previously mentioned challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to receive the HPV vaccine and HPV testing during a single clinic visit, along with the option to share their thoughts in an interview. The findings from this study aim to help improve health services for those at risk, making it easier for them to receive the care they need for cervical cancer prevention.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Individuals will be eligible for participation in components 1 and/or 2 if they:
• • have a cervix
• • are aged 25-45 years (inclusive)
• • are able to provide informed consent for themself
• And have experience of either:
• • substance use/addiction
• • living in custodial settings
• • homelessness
• • involvement in transactional sex
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Individuals will be excluded from participation if they:
• • Do not have a cervix due to surgery or other reasons
• • Are known to have completed the full vaccination schedule (as per JCVI criteria for their age and immunocompetency) (Excluded from component 1 (vaccination and HPV screening) only - still able to participate in component 2 (individual interview))
• • Meet any of the vaccine exclusion criteria as set out in the local HPV PGD
• • Have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of HPV vaccine.
• • Have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to any component of the vaccine. Practitioners must check the marketing authorisation holder's SmPC for details of vaccine components.
• • Have a history of severe (i.e. anaphylactic reaction) to latex where the vaccine is not latex free.
• • Are known to be pregnant.
• • Are suffering from an acute severe febrile illness (the presence of a minor infection is not a contraindication for immunisation).
• • Additionally, PGDs advise caution where a neurological condition is believed to be progressing or there is neurological deterioration and therefore, individuals meeting this criteria will be excluded (from component 1 only).