HPV self-sampling to improve cervical cancer screening for Somali women
Official title: Reducing cervical cancer screening disparities in Somali immigrant women through a primary care based HPV self-sampling intervention
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11211226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project offers HPV self-sampling in primary care clinics to help Somali immigrant women get cervical cancer screening in a way that respects cultural and modesty concerns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $63,102 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA248558-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11211226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Somali immigrant women who are within the age range for cervical cancer screening and who are overdue or have low screening rates.
✕Less likely to help
Women who are already up-to-date with cervical cancer screening or who do not receive care at participating clinics are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You would be offered a simple HPV self-sample kit during a visit to a participating primary care clinic so you can collect a sample yourself rather than having a pelvic exam. The program is shaped with input from Somali community members and clinic staff to make the process culturally appropriate and comfortable. Researchers will compare how well this approach reaches women who are overdue for screening and will study how clinics implement the option in routine care. The goal is to make screening easier to do during regular appointments and to give providers tools to address common barriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase screening rates and help find precancerous changes earlier among Somali women who are currently underscreened.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilot work and home-based HPV self-sampling studies have shown feasibility and acceptability among Somali women, but offering self-sampling in primary care is less studied.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pratt, Rebekah J. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Pratt, Rebekah J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Team-based care to boost cervical cancer screening in low-resource clinics
This grant tests a team-based approach in rural and under-resourced primary care clinics to help more people get screened for cervical cancer.
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Improving cervical cancer screening for Somali immigrant women using self-sampling methods.
This study is looking to help Somali immigrant women in the U.S. get more cervical cancer screenings by offering a simple and respectful way to test for HPV during their regular doctor visits, making it easier for them to take care of their health.
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mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
-
HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
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HOPE-inG: Increasing cervical cancer screening for women with HIV in Ghana
A study tests a home-based HPV self-sampling approach plus a tailored communication plan to help women living with HIV in Ghana get screened more often for cervical cancer.
-
CODA-based cervical cancer screening for LMICs using CRISPR and fluorescence
A low-resource, rapid test called CODA uses CRISPR and light signals to detect cervical cancer markers in women in sub-Saharan Africa to improve screening.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.