Actively Recruiting
HPV Equity Study: Exploring Cervical Cancer Control in Scotland for Women With Experience of Priority Risks
Led by University of Edinburgh · Updated on 2026-04-08
500
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
68 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Individuals with experience of homelessness, substance use/addiction, transactional sex, and incarceration experience significant health inequities across a wide range of health conditions. This inequity includes cervical cancer with individuals in these populations less engaged with both routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening programmes, yet also at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Opportunistic vaccination is recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation for 'other at risk/vulnerable groups' who may benefit (such as people with experience of transactional sex or incarceration) at clinical discretion. However, there is limited evidence on the feasibility, uptake, attitudes and impact of vaccination in these at-risk groups and no nationally funded programme. This mixed methods exploratory study seeks to generate evidence to inform the optimal service design. Core objectives are to: 1) assess the feasibility and acceptability of offering opportunistic HPV vaccination during standard sexual health care to women at high risk of HPV and cervical cancer; 2) identify the type-specific prevalence of HPV among recruited participants; and 3) describe participants' perceptions and experiences of accessing routine HPV vaccination and cervical screening services, and/or this opportunistic (research) service. The investigators will seek to recruit women with experience of homelessness, substance use/addiction, transactional sex, and incarceration. The study will include trans-men and non-binary people at risk of cervical cancer with the same risk experiences. Potential participants will be identified prospectively via attendance at specialist sexual health services in Scotland. Participants will be offered HPV vaccination and testing, and/or an in-depth research interview. Participation can be completed within one clinic visit. The full vaccination course is available via participation (min/max does spacing 6/12 months) and participants testing positive for high-risk type HPV can/will be followed up in full and supported in accessing treatment.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
HPV Equity Study: Exploring Cervical Cancer Control in Scotland for Women With Experience of Priority Risks
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have a cervix
- Aged 25 to 45 years inclusive
- Able to give informed consent
- Have experience of substance use/addiction, homelessness, incarceration, or transactional sex
You will not qualify if you...
- Do not have a cervix due to surgery or other reasons
- Completed full HPV vaccination schedule for their age and immunocompetency (excluded from vaccination and screening, may participate in interviews)
- Meet vaccine exclusion criteria per local HPV Patient Group Direction
- Had anaphylactic reaction to HPV vaccine or any vaccine component
- History of severe allergy to latex if vaccine is not latex-free
- Known to be pregnant
- Have an acute severe fever illness
- Have neurological conditions progressing or deteriorating (excluded from vaccination and screening only)
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
NHS Lothian
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mia Closs, PhD
CONTACT
C
Christine Campbell
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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