Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

EQUITA - A Feasibility Trial of a Faith-placed Intervention to Increase Screening Uptake in Black Adults

The EQUITA study is exploring new ways to encourage Black adults in the UK to attend important health screenings for breast cancer, bowel cancer, cervical cancer, and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). These screenings are important for finding problems early. The study focuses on working with faith communities in the North East of England, Leeds, and Scotland. It's a small, initial trial to see if this community-based approach is practical and helpful for increasing screening rates. Participants will attend a two-hour workshop and will be randomly assigned to either receive the new support or be in a control group. The results will help researchers plan a larger study to better support Black communities with culturally relevant health information.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Sunderland

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Breast Cancer Bowel Cancer Cervical Cancer Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

What is this study about?

The EQUITA study aims to find better ways to help Black adults in the UK get important health checks. These checks include screenings for breast cancer, bowel cancer, cervical cancer, and a condition called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). These screenings can catch health problems early, which often leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Currently, screening rates for these conditions are lower in Black communities in the UK. This means that serious illnesses might not be found until they are more advanced. This study wants to change that by working closely with faith communities. They believe that by providing information and support through trusted community leaders and groups, more people will feel comfortable and encouraged to get their screenings.

This is a "feasibility" study, which means it's a small-scale trial to see if this new approach works well and is acceptable to the community before a much larger study is planned. The results will help make sure that future health programmes are designed in a way that truly meets the needs and cultural background of Black communities.

Key takeaways

A study to improve health screening rates in Black communities.
Works through faith groups in the North East, Leeds, and Scotland.
Aims to increase checks for breast, bowel, cervical cancer, and AAA.
Involves a single 2-hour workshop.
It's a small initial study to help plan a larger one.
Participation could help improve health outcomes for the community.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a member of one of the churches that are taking part in the North East of England, Leeds, or Scotland. You also need to identify as Black, Black British, Black Caribbean, or African.

For women, you need to be between 25 and 74 years old. For men, you need to be between 50 and 74 years old. An important part of joining is that you shouldn't be fully up-to-date with all the health screenings you're eligible for. For example, if you've had a breast screening but not a cervical or bowel screening, you could still be eligible.

If you don't belong to one of the participating churches, don't identify as Black, or if you've already had all your eligible screenings, then unfortunately this study isn't for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a member of a participating church in the North East, Leeds, or Scotland?
Do you identify as Black, Black British, Black Caribbean, or African?
If female, are you between 25 and 74 years old?
If male, are you between 50 and 74 years old?
Are you NOT fully up-to-date with all your recommended health screenings?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the study, you will be invited to attend one two-hour workshop. This workshop will be held at one of the study locations in the North East of England, Leeds, or Scotland. After joining, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either the intervention group, which receives the special faith-placed support, or a control group. The study will look at how many people in each group go on to get their recommended health screenings. The entire study period for this initial phase is 24 months, but your direct involvement will be primarily the workshop.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could offer the benefit of learning more about important health screenings and receiving support to get them, potentially leading to earlier detection of serious conditions. There are no known physical risks associated with taking part, as it involves attending a workshop and encouraging screening, not medical procedures. However, discussing health topics might be sensitive for some. Your privacy will always be protected, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect any medical care you currently receive.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Glasgow
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Leeds Beckett University
Verified postcode
Leeds, United Kingdom
University of Sunderland
Verified postcode
Sunderland, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of screenings are involved?

The study focuses on encouraging screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer, and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

What is a 'faith-placed intervention'?

It means the study uses workshops and discussions within faith communities to provide health information and support, in a way that respects cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Will I have to have any medical procedures in the study?

No, the study itself does not involve any medical procedures. It's about encouraging you to get standard health screenings from your regular healthcare provider, if you choose to.

Why is this study only for Black adults?

Research shows that Black communities in the UK have lower screening rates in general, which can lead to poorer health outcomes. This study is specifically designed to address these inequalities.

What is an 'abdominal aortic aneurysm'?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the main blood vessel that runs from your heart down through your tummy. Screening helps find these early, as they can be serious if not treated.

How to find out more

Floor Christie-de Jong

floor.christie@sunderland.ac.uk 0191 5153445 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.