HPV self-sampling to improve cervical screening for women in Zaporizhzhia during the war
Human Papillomavirus Self-sampling for Enhancing Cervical Screening During the War in Ukraine
This project will test whether giving women aged 30–60 in Zaporizhzhia HPV self-sampling kits can keep cervical screening going when clinic access is disrupted by the war.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zaporizhzhya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07275333 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project invites women aged 30–60 who have not had a recent negative HPV test to receive a self-sampling kit from their primary care provider and return a specimen for laboratory HPV testing. Samples will be processed with established HPV testing and quality assurance procedures supported by experienced Swedish partners, and participants with positive results will be referred for follow-up care. The approach adapts organized screening methods to conditions where clinic-based services are limited by conflict and displacement. Implementation outcomes such as kit return rates, test positivity, and feasibility in the local context will be measured.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 30–60 with an intact uterus who are eligible for cervical screening under local guidelines, able to consent, and able to perform self-sampling are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women who are pregnant, have had a total hysterectomy, have a known diagnosis of cervical cancer, or cannot perform self-sampling are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could maintain or increase access to cervical screening during conflict and help find high-risk HPV infections earlier.
How similar studies have performed: HPV self-sampling has increased screening participation and detected high-risk infections in many civilian settings, although applying it during active armed conflict is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female aged 30-60 years * Intact uterus (no prior hysterectomy) * Eligible for cervical cancer screening according to local guidelines * Able to provide informed consent * Able to perform self-sampling at home or at a clinic Exclusion Criteria: * History of total hysterectomy * Pregnancy at the time of enrollment * Known diagnosis of cervical cancer * Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent * Unable to perform self-sampling or comply with study procedures
Where this trial is running
Zaporizhzhya
- Educational and Scientific Medical Center "Universitetskaya Klinika", Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University — Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Olexiy Kovalyov, Professor — Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University
- Study coordinator: Laila Sara Arroyo Mühr, PhD
- Email: sara.arroyo.muhr@ki.se
- Phone: +46700917250
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.