Improving cervical cancer screening for Somali immigrant women using self-sampling methods.
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-11098741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $321,995 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA248558-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Somali immigrant women who have historically low rates of cervical cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Somali immigrant women or those who are already regularly screened for cervical cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the low cervical cancer screening rates among Somali immigrant women in the U.S. by implementing a primary care-based HPV self-sampling intervention. The study recognizes cultural and religious barriers that contribute to this disparity and seeks to provide a more acceptable screening method that respects these concerns. By integrating HPV self-sampling into routine primary care visits, the research will evaluate its effectiveness and feasibility in increasing screening rates among this population. The approach is designed to empower women and healthcare providers to overcome existing barriers to cervical cancer screening.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates among Somali immigrant women, leading to earlier detection and better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with HPV self-sampling in other populations, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
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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HPV self-sampling to improve cervical cancer screening for Somali women
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.
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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.
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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.
-
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.