NCT06182241 · Boston University Charles River Campus
Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Retention in the Cervical Cancer Treatment Cascade Among Women With HIV in South Africa: Part 2
What this study is about
The investigators will conduct the formative work that is necessary to develop a novel, multi-level intervention (inclusive of patient- and provider-level components), which will increase awareness of and modify the complex, intersecting factors that contribute to cervical cancer development among cisgender women with HIV (WWH).
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The investigators will conduct the formative work that is necessary to develop a novel, multi-level intervention (inclusive of patient- and provider-level components), which will increase awareness of and modify the complex, intersecting factors that contribute to cervical cancer development among cisgender women with HIV (WWH). In Aim 1a, the investigators will explore the multi-level barriers and facilitators to follow-up appointment attendance among WWH who have had a recent high-risk abnormal Pap smear in the past six months, via qualitative interviews with WWH who have either attended at least one follow-up visit (n\<10) or have not yet attended a follow-up visit (n\<10). In Aim 1b, the investigators will explore provider awareness of the HIV-cervical cancer relationship and perspectives on barriers to retention in care via qualitative interviews (n\<8). For Aim 2, The study team will leverage the Aim 1 data, develop a patient-level intervention (1-2 sessions) and a provider toolkit, with the goal of increasing retention in care among WWH who are at heightened risk for cervical cancer. The study team will seek feedback on the manual and the toolkit from providers and from a community advisory board. In Aim 3a, the investigators will test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention in a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) (n\<60). The study team will also assess (1) changes in self-efficacy to attend cervical cancer-related healthcare appointments pre-post intervention, (2) the proportion of women who attend a follow-up appointment, and, of those participants, (3) the proportion of women who complete the next phase of treatment. In Aim 3b, the investigators will explore the feasibility of intervention implementation in the clinic and acceptability of the provider-level intervention components in qualitative interviews with providers, clinic staff, the interventionalists, and other key stakeholders (n\<10).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Retention in cervical cancer care intervention
Aim 1 data will inform this intervention, however the participant intervention will likely be one or two sessions, conducted in-person, coupled with text- or phone-based client navigation with women who received abnormal high-risk Pap smear results. We anticipate that the intervention may integrate (1) information to improve awareness of cervical cancer susceptibility and treatment, (2) motivational interviewing to assess pros and cons of attending a follow-up appointment and completing treatment; (3) brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to reduce individual-level barriers, (4) problem-solving to increase social support, and (5) patient navigation tools to mitigate clinic-level challenges.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of the intervention
Time frame: About 1-2 months after the start of intervention and at about 4 months after the start of the intervention
Feasibility will be demonstrated if all three are met by participants: (1) 50% of participants who are approached choose to enroll; (2) 70% of participants complete the intervention; and (3) 60% complete the 3-month follow-up. Feasibility of the implementation of the intervention will be explored in interviews with providers, clinic staff, interventionalists, and other relevant stakeholders.
Acceptability of the intervention
Time frame: About 1-2 months after the start of intervention and at about 4 months after the start of the intervention
Acceptability will be measured using the seven component constructs of the acceptability of health care interventions framework using a five-point Likert style scale. The seven components include affective attitude (i.e., how an individual feels about the intervention), burden, ethicality (i.e., the extent to which the intervention aligns with one's value system), intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy. Acceptability will be demonstrated if, on average, at least 75% of the participants rate five or more of the items on the eight-item Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions Questionnaire with a 4 or a 5 on the Likert-style scale. Acceptability of the intervention will also be explored in interviews with providers, clinic staff, interventionalists, and other relevant stakeholders.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Having a cervix
- Living with HIV
- Recent high-risk abnormal Pap results within the last month (if needed, we may increase the range by up to 6 months to ensure that we meet our targets).
Exclusion criteria
- Younger than 18 years old
- HIV-negative
- No cervix/history of hysterectomy
- Recent normal or low-risk abnormal Pap results
- Unable to provide informed consent or assent in English or isiZulu and/or have a significant psychiatric illness (e.g., active psychotic disorder or untreated bipolar disorder) that could interfere with participation will be excluded. Potential participants will also be asked if they have any health conditions that make it difficult for them to travel to the clinic.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, Massachusetts General Hospital
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations