RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

HPV Equity Study: Exploring Cervical Cancer Control in Scotland for Women With Experience of Priority Risks

The HPV Equity Study in Scotland is looking at the best way to offer HPV vaccination to women aged 25-45 who have faced challenges like homelessness or addiction. These groups are often at higher risk of cervical cancer and may miss out on routine vaccination and screening. The study will offer the HPV vaccine during sexual health clinic visits to see how well this works and what people think about it. It will also test for HPV types to understand how common they are in this group. The aim is to gather information to create better vaccination services. Both women and transgender men or non-binary people with a cervix who meet the risk criteria can take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

500

Start

07 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Human Papilloma Virus

What is this study about?

This study, called the 'HPV Equity Study,' is designed to help improve how we protect women and others at risk in Scotland from cervical cancer. We know that some groups of people, like those who have experienced homelessness, drug or alcohol addiction, transactional sex, or incarceration, face more health challenges. This includes a higher likelihood of getting cervical cancer, partly because they might not get routine HPV vaccinations or cervical screening as often.

Currently, health guidelines suggest offering the HPV vaccine to these groups individually, if a doctor thinks it's right for them. However, we don't have much information about how well this works, if people will take up the offer, or what their experiences are. This study aims to fill that gap. It will explore how practical and acceptable it is to offer the HPV vaccine during regular visits to sexual health clinics.

The researchers want to learn several things: first, how easy and welcome it is to offer the vaccine in this way; second, which types of HPV are present in the people taking part; and third, what people think about their experiences with routine HPV vaccination and screening services, as well as this new opportunistic service. The information gathered will be used to help design better, more effective vaccination services for everyone.

Key takeaways

A study in Scotland to improve HPV vaccination for at-risk groups.
Aims to protect against cervical cancer by offering the HPV vaccine.
Specifically targets women aged 25-45 with specific lived experiences.
Participation involves a clinic visit, HPV testing, and vaccination.
All study costs, including the vaccine, are covered.
Confidential and aims to create better health services.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a woman, transgender man, or non-binary person who has a cervix and is between 25 and 45 years old (inclusive). You must also be able to understand the study and give your consent to take part.

In addition to these basic requirements, you also need to have experience with at least one of the following: drug or alcohol use/addiction, living in correctional facilities (like prison), homelessness, or transactional sex.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had a complete course of HPV vaccination, or if you can't have the vaccine for medical reasons (like a severe allergy to a previous vaccine dose or its ingredients, or if you are pregnant). If you have a serious feverish illness, you'd need to wait until you're better.

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.

Do you have a cervix?
Are you between 25 and 45 years old?
Have you experienced homelessness, addiction, transactional sex, or incarceration?
Have you *not* already completed a full course of HPV vaccination?
Are you *not* currently pregnant?
Are you well and don't have a serious feverish illness?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main things involved are a visit to a sexual health clinic in Scotland. During this visit, you'll be offered the HPV vaccine and will be asked to provide a self-taken swab for HPV testing. This is similar to how testing for other infections like Chlamydia is done, and you'll get clear instructions. If you prefer not to take a swab yourself, a doctor can do it for you.

The HPV vaccine used is called Gardasil-9, which protects against several types of HPV. You'll receive either two or three doses of the vaccine, depending on your immune health, spread out over 6 to 12 months. All the costs for the vaccine are covered by the study. If your HPV test shows you have a high-risk type of HPV, the study will help you get the necessary follow-up care and support to access treatment. Your participation, including vaccination and testing, can be completed within one clinic visit.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is receiving the Gardasil-9 HPV vaccine, which can protect you from various types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. You will also get tested for HPV, and if you test positive for high-risk types, you'll receive support for follow-up and treatment. As with any vaccine, there's a small risk of side effects, usually mild like soreness or redness where you had the injection. The study will only use the vaccine if it's safe for you, based on standard medical guidelines. Participating in research is always voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

NHS Lothian
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is HPV?

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It's a common virus that can be passed on through sexual contact. Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

Why is this study only for people with certain experiences?

People who have experienced homelessness, addiction, transactional sex, or incarceration are often at higher risk of cervical cancer and may have missed out on routine vaccinations. This study aims to reach them specifically to improve their health.

Will I have to pay to join the study or for the vaccine?

No, there are no costs for taking part in this study, and the HPV vaccine will be provided to you free of charge.

What does 'opportunistic vaccination' mean?

It means offering the vaccine when you are already attending a sexual health clinic for another reason, making it easier for you to get vaccinated without needing a separate appointment.

What happens if I test positive for HPV?

If your test shows you have a high-risk type of HPV, the study team will help you get the necessary follow-up care and support to access treatment, if needed.

How to find out more

Mia Closs, PhD

mia.closs@ed.ac.uk 0131 650 1000 Official trial record

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