Improving cervical cancer screening for people experiencing homelessness
Official title: Addressing Cervical Cancer Disparities Among People Experiencing Homelessness
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-10687561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about finding out why people who are homeless have a hard time getting cervical cancer screenings and care, and it aims to come up with helpful solutions to make it easier for them to access these important health services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,382,625 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2MD019356-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing homelessness who are at risk for cervical cancer and have not been adequately screened.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing homelessness or who have already received regular cervical cancer screenings may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and addressing the barriers that prevent people experiencing homelessness from accessing cervical cancer screening and care. It involves engaging with these communities and local health organizations to gather data on screening rates and the factors that contribute to low participation. The study aims to identify obstacles such as mental health issues, low health literacy, and mistrust in healthcare providers, while also exploring innovative solutions like HPV self-sampling. By involving the community in the research process, the project seeks to create effective strategies to improve healthcare access for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates and improve health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting cervical cancer disparities in homeless populations, community-based participatory approaches have shown promise in improving health outcomes in similar underserved groups.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Natalia Maria — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Natalia Maria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer burden
A nurse or health team will test a community-based, digital strategy to help girls and young women, especially in rural areas, get HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
-
Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer in women with HIV
A community- and digital-technology program aims to help girls and young women, including those with HIV, get more HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
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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.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
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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.
-
Hybrid approach to boost cervical cancer screening in Uganda
A tested, community-driven program helps Ugandan women encourage their peers to get free VIA cervical cancer 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.