Improving Cervical Cancer Screening for Women Living With HIV in Cameroon Comparing Single-Visit and Flexible Multi-Visit Approaches Using HPV Testing

What this Trial Is About

Cervical cancer is a major cause of death among women living with HIV in resource-limited areas. This research evaluates different cervical cancer screening methods using human papillomavirus HPV testing to identify women at risk of precancerous lesions. The study compares a single-visit screening and treatment approach with a more flexible, patient-centered method to reduce dropout rates and improve screening completion. It also includes sub-studies assessing urinary HPV testing, triage methods, and post-treatment cervical disease risks. The study has two phases initially, all participants undergo a single-visit HPV testing and treatment where possible. In the second phase, a differentiated screening approach is introduced, allowing women to choose between a single visit or multiple visits based on counseling and their preferences. The study assesses the implementation and effectiveness of these strategies, including participant stress, acceptability by patients and healthcare workers, and treatment performance. Participants who are women living with HIV aged 25 to 49 will be involved in both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Researchers will collect biomedical data, conduct surveys, interviews, and observations to gather information on screening completeness, triage accuracy, and treatment outcomes. The primary outcome is screening completion within 60 days, with additional follow-ups at 120 days and 12 months to monitor post-treatment cervical lesions and overall acceptability of the screening process.

Impact of a Single Versus Multiple Visits on the Cervical Cancer Screening Completeness, Feasibility and Acceptability Among Women Living With HIV in Cameroon