Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Self-Sampling Options to Promote Equity

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.

Conditions

• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
• HPV Testing
• Pap Smear

Interventions

OTHER

Human 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.

OTHER

Usual 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  collaborator NIH

• El Rio Santa Cruz Neighborhood Health Center

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Arizona

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD · University of Arizona

• Purnima Madhivanan, MBBS, MPH, PhD · University of Arizona

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SCREENING

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

30 Years

Max Age

64 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-01

Primary Completion

2026-10-31

Completion

2027-12-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations