Preparation of a cohort of young adults for participation in HIV vaccine trials: Experience from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Objective: Availability of a safe and effective HIV vaccine is believed to be the best long term strategy for controlling the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Tanzania is currently conducting an HIV vaccine trial that includes young adults. The purpose of the paper is to describe the mobilization process, response and recruitment of young adults into a Phase I/II HIV vaccine trial.
Methods: Young adults of 18 to 24 years of age attending the Infectious Diseases Centre between January 2009 and August 2010 were involved. Clinical record forms were used to identify interested participants. Sensitization meetings and pre-screening workshops were then conducted. Those willing to participate in the trial were identified.
Results: 1,479 young people visited the clinic during the study period. Out of 1104 that showed interest to attend the sensitization workshops, only 318 were invited. After the sensitization workshops, 124/318 (38.9%) showed interest to attend detailed informative sessions on vaccine trial and out of them 101(81.4%) actually attended prescreening workshops. Of those who attended the pre-screening workshops, 80/101 (79.2%) expressed willingness to participate in the trials. Sixty nine were screened, among whom 26 (37.7%) were recruited.
Conclusion: It is essential to address concerns and identify incentives for young adults to participate in HIV vaccine trials in order to eliminate fears and maximize their participation.

Keywords: HIV vaccines, Young adults, Tanzania