Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling Options to Promote Equity (HOPE)
University of Arizona
Summary
This study is testing a new way to help people who are unhoused get screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can often be prevented if it is found early. Many people who lack stable housing usually do not receive regular screenings. Through this project, the investigators will bring screening to community locations in Tucson, Arizona, using a mobile health unit (MHU) from the University of Arizona (UA) and El Rio Health. At these sites, participants will receive easy-to-understand education about cervical cancer, learn how to collect their own sample for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and get follow-up care if needed. The study has two goals: * First, the investigators will see if this community-based approach helps more people complete cervical cancer screening. * Second, the investigators will ask participants, clinicians, and outreach staff for their opinions about the program and its practicality and acceptability. By testing this approach, the investigators hope to find a way to make cervical cancer screening more accessible and effective for unhoused individuals.
Description
Cervical cancer can often be prevented if it is found early, but many unhoused people don't get regular screening. Through this project, the investigators are offering cervical cancer screening in community settings, such as our mobile health units, to make access easier. Our proposal aims to design and pilot test an human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling program run through an MHU (operated by the UA) throughout El Rio's established outreach sites to people who are unhoused and residing in shelters and outdoor encampments. The proposed intervention, delivered through a clinic-community lin…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 30–64 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Women or transgender men with a cervix * Ages 30-64 years * Due for cervical cancer screening: 1. No Pap test in the past 3 years, or 2. No human papillomavirus (HPV) test in the past 5 years * Unhoused or unstably housed Exclusion Criteria: * History of cervical cancer * HIV positive * History of total hysterectomy * Known pregnancy
Interventions
- OtherHuman papillomavirus Self-collection
The individual will receive both verbal instruction on self-collection from trained health educators in the mobile health unit, as well as adapted educational materials on human papillomavirus self-collection and information about follow-up care in the case of abnormal results. Individuals will be provided with a safe and private space in the Mobile Health Unit to self-collect.
- OtherUsual Care
Usual care, will involve reminders about overdue Cervical Cancer screening and support with scheduling clinic appointments for screening, arranging for transportation, and addressing other barriers to attendance
Location
- El Rio Santa Cruz Neighborhood HealthTucson, Arizona