HPV self-sampling to improve cervical cancer screening for Somali women
Reducing cervical cancer screening disparities in Somali immigrant women through a primary care based HPV self-sampling intervention
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 ID | NIH-11211226 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pratt, Rebekah J. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Pratt, Rebekah J.
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 below.