Implementing Two Randomized Pragmatic Trials of HPV Self-sampling among Underserved Women: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Background: Haitian and Hispanic immigrant women experience substantial disparities in cervical cancer screening. Recently, our team completed two randomized trials of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling as a cervical cancer screening strategy among Haitian and Hispanic women, using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach.

Objective: To reflect on lessons learned in the process of completing two large randomized cancer screening trials within underserved communities.

Methods: Haitian and Hispanic women were randomized to HPV self-sampling versus navigation to Pap smear versus standard cervical cancer screening education in the first trial, and HPV self-sampling delivered in-person versus via mail in the second trial.

Lessons Learned: During the two trials, our team encountered several challenges. The lessons learned from these challenges allowed for the strengthening of our community partnerships, study procedures, and our ability to conduct CBPR within an academic setting.

Conclusions: Lessons learned from our trials may be useful to other researchers engaging in CBPR within underserved communities.