Study of HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Prevention for Women Aged 25 to 45 with High-Risk Experiences in Scotland

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring cervical cancer control among women and individuals with a cervix who have experienced homelessness, substance use or addiction, transactional sex, and incarceration. These populations face significant health disparities, including lower engagement with HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening despite higher risks. The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of offering opportunistic HPV vaccination during routine sexual health care, determine HPV type prevalence, and understand participant experiences accessing vaccination and screening services. Participants will be offered the Gardasil-9 vaccine and HPV testing via self-taken vaginal swabs or clinician sampling, following standard clinical practice. Up to 500 individuals will be recruited across three health boards over 6 to 9 months, with participants receiving 2 to 3 vaccine doses based on their immune status. Those testing positive for high-risk HPV types will be followed up with recommended smear tests and treatment support. Additionally, in-depth interviews will be conducted with up to 30 participants to explore their perspectives on vaccination and screening. Participants complete most study activities within one clinic visit, including vaccination and self-swab testing. Follow-up includes vaccine dose completion over 6 to 12 months and monitoring HPV-positive individuals with further tests. Travel expenses for repeat visits are provided. The study measures uptake of vaccination, sampling method preferences, vaccine completion, HPV prevalence, and follow-up test attendance. Interview data will be analyzed thematically to provide insights into barriers and facilitators of service access.

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