A Feasibility Study of a Compassion-focused Self-help Intervention Designed to Increase Access to Cervical Screening Following Sexual Assault
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Trauma, Psychological
- Sponsor
- Royal Holloway University
- Enrollment
- 96
- Primary Endpoint
- Acceptability: Is the intervention acceptable to the intended audience?
- Last Updated
- 6 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a new self-help intervention designed to support individuals (anyone with a cervix) to access cervical cancer screening following the experience of sexual assault, by addressing psychological barriers identified by previous research, specifically shame, low self-efficacy and the re-traumatising nature of attending to sexual health after sexual trauma.
Detailed Description
The study aims to investigate the acceptability, feasibility and limited efficacy of a discrete, easily accessed (mobile phone, tablet or computer) self-help intervention to support people to access cervical screening independently. The study will use a wait-list control design, with participants randomly allocated to receive access to the intervention immediately or after a six-week wait. The intervention will be in the form of a web app and will contain a range of psychoeducational material and practice exercises following a cognitive-behavioural and compassion-focused approach to understanding and coping with trauma, building self-compassion and increasing confidence in ability to attend and complete a screening.
Investigators
Jane Smallwood
Trainee Clinical Psychologist
Royal Holloway University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Has a cevix
- •Within age range for cervical cancer screening in UK (25-64 years)
- •Experience of sexual assault (in childhood and/or adulthood; not within last 12 months)
- •Currently experiencing difficulty attending cervical cancer screening
- •Has access to smartphone/computer with internet
- •Has a valid email address
- •Able to read and understand English
- •Living in UK
Exclusion Criteria
- •No cervix
- •Outside of UK cervical cancer screening age range
- •No experience of sexual assault or sexual assault occurred within last 12 months
- •No access to smartphone or computer and internet
- •Unable to read or understand English
- •Not living in UK
- •In acute mental health crisis
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Acceptability: Is the intervention acceptable to the intended audience?
Time Frame: Six weeks
A series of statements written by the researchers asking for feedback on the intervention, including frequency of use, interest in the content, satisfaction. To be rated on a five-point scale (Completely agree - Completely disagree). This will be analysed descriptively (e.g. how many people would recommend the app to others having similar difficulties?)
Behavioural change - Does use of the intervention lead to an increase in bookings and attendance at screenings?
Time Frame: Six weeks
Participants will be asked to report their progress at baseline and follow-up by answering a series of questions written by the researchers, for example 'I have contacted my GP surgery to ask them when cervical screening clinics take place' - Yes/No; 'I attended my cervical screening appointment' - Yes/No.
Behavioural change - Does use of the intervention facilitate completing a cervical screening? (i.e. does the intervention have limited efficacy?)
Time Frame: Six weeks
Participants will be asked whether or not they have completed their cervical screening at baseline and follow-up. Answer options will be yes/no/appointment booked but hasn't happened yet
Secondary Outcomes
- Psychological change - Does use of the intervention lead to increased self-efficacy and self-compassion, and reduced shame?(Six weeks)
- Psychological change - distress(Six weeks)