Clinical Research Directory

Understanding Women's Values in Managing Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Sponsor: University of Aberdeen

Summary

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by infection with a high-risk (hr) HPV. In March 2020, the Scottish Cervical Screening programme changed from a test to look for abnormal cervical cells caused by hr-HPV to a test that looks for infection with hr-HPV itself. If an HPV infection persists, there is an increased risk of a pre-cancer or cancer of the cervix developing in the future. The cervical screening programme aims to detect and treat pre-cancers, so they don't progress to cancer of the cervix. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms and will clear on their own. There are no active treatments available currently. Following a positive hr-HPV result, by waiting and repeating the HPV test after 12 months, it is known that 60% of infections clear in that year and more will clear each year after. Some women are anxious when they find out that they have an HPV infection, and some will look to see if there are any treatments available. Several private organisations are offering HPV treatments which are not approved for clinical use yet. These may, or may not, help clear up HPV more quickly or more often. This study is designed to help us to know and understand whether women have considered treatments, which benefits or risks of such treatments they value, and which factors influence these decisions. The study will also seek to determine participants' willingness to pay for such treatments and will also help to facilitate discussions between clinicians and patients.

Official title: An Exploratory Study to Understand Women's Values of Management of a Positive Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test From the Cervical Screening Programme

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