Exploring Oral Health Equity and Cancer Prevention Among Adults Living With HIV from Diverse Racial, Ethnic, and Sexual and Gender Minority Groups

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting an exploratory qualitative study among people living with HIV PLWH who belong to diverse racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority groups. The study aims to explore various factors affecting oral health equity, including barriers and facilitators to accessing oral health care. It also seeks to understand knowledge and perceptions about human papillomavirus HPV vaccination and oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma OSCCOPSCC, and to gather recommendations for improving access to dental care and prevention strategies. Participants will engage in a single focus group discussion lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours, facilitated to encourage sharing within groups of shared identity. Before this, they will complete a brief quantitative survey electronically or by phone. The focus group discussions will be recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify oral health equity factors. There are no drug or device interventions the study gathers qualitative and survey data. Involvement includes one screening and enrollment phone call followed by one study visit for the focus group and survey. Researchers will measure potential oral health equity factors within up to three days. Participants knowledge, perceptions, and recommendations regarding oral health care and cancer prevention will be collected. The total participation time is limited to these activities, with no long-term follow-up or treatment provided.

People Living With HIV, Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer, and Health Equity