HPV tests for cervical cancer screening in low resource settings: a protocol of a DTA systematic review

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer screening in low resource settings might improve early detection and preventive efforts. Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of HPV tests for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN 2+) in low resource settings.Search strategy: we will search the Cochrane library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. We will search references of relevant studies. Selection criteria: We will include diagnostic test accuracy studies if women had an HPV test for cervical cancer screening, followed by verification with colposcopy and colposcopy-directed biopsy. The primary target is CIN2+. Data collection and analysis: Two authors will independently screen studies, extract data, and assess methodological quality. We will use bivariate diagnostic random-effects meta-analysis. Results: This is the protocol of a diagnostic test accuracy systematic review. Conclusions: Evidence will aid in making well-informed decisions for cervical cancer screening in low resource settings. Implications for research will be outlined for future studies.