Black Communities Invited Shape Future Health Screening Research

Black adults in Leeds are being invited to take part in a new research study exploring how health screening programmes can be made more accessible, equitable and easier to access.

The EQUITA (EQUITy in Black Adult Health) study is being led by researchers at the University of Sunderland and is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The project aims to improve participation in breast, cervical, bowel and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programmes within Black communities.

Research has shown that screening uptake among Black African and Caribbean communities is often lower than the national average, which can contribute to later diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. The study will explore ways to address barriers such as lack of awareness, previous negative experiences and difficulties accessing services.

Who Can Take Part?

Researchers are looking to hear from people who:

• Identify as Black

• Are women aged 25 to 74 or men aged 50 and over

• Live in Leeds, the North East of England or Scotland

• Are not currently up to date with at least one health screening programme (breast, cervical, bowel or AAA screening)

What’s Involved?

Participants will:

• Attend a two-hour workshop held within a local church setting

• Learn more about health screening programmes

• Complete surveys before and after the workshop and again three months later

Participants who complete all stages of the study can receive up to £50 in gift vouchers as a thank-you for their time.

Why This Matters

The study forms part of wider work taking place locally and nationally to address health inequalities experienced by Black communities.

In Leeds, initiatives such as the award-winning Synergi Leeds programme and the Remembering What’s Forgotten project have highlighted the importance of listening to community voices, understanding lived experience and addressing inequalities within health and mental health services.

Remembering What’s Forgotten brought together community stories, lived experience and creative responses to challenge racial inequalities in mental health and ensure community knowledge helps shape future services and policy.