Community preparedness for HIV vaccine trials in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Full Abstract

This paper reports on an assessment of community preparedness for HIV vaccine trials in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Formative research was conducted in the capital city of Kinshasa during the period October 2003 to March 2004 to answer questions pertinent to planning trials of a preventive HIV vaccine and to identify related issues. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews and two focus groups were held with potential trial participants and community leaders. Data was collected on the subjects of vaccines, HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour, and an HIV vaccine. The study also sought to identify factors that motivate a person to volunteer for a vaccine trial or which are disincentives to participation, along with preparedness of the larger community for trials. Personal concerns for health and for the impact of the epidemic on families and country were common motivations for participation. The danger of an experimental vaccine and the stigma of a positive HIV antibody test as the result of vaccination are major concerns and disincentives. The health, educational, and local non-governmental sectors are identified as having important roles to play in assuring preparedness for trials, although significant challenges exist to achieving community preparedness.

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Author information

Author/s: Olin, John (J); Kokolamami, Jacques (J); Lepira, Francois B (FB); Mwandagalirwa, Kashamuka (K); Mupenda, Bavon (B); Ndongala, Michel Lubaki (ML); Maman, Suzanne (S); Bollinger, Robert (R); Nachega, Jean (J); Mokili, John (J);

Affiliation: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA. johnolin44(-atsign-)yahoo.com

Grants: P30A142855-01 (Agency:PHS HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Culture, health & sexuality (Cult Health Sex), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2006 Nov-Dec; vol 8 (issue 6) : pp 529-44

Dates: Created 2006/10/19; Completed 2007/01/19; Revised 2008/08/20;

PMID: 17050384, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

AIDS Vaccines
Adult
Clinical Trials as Topic
Cohort Studies
Cultural Characteristics
Democratic Republic of the Congo - epidemiology
Disease Outbreaks - prevention & control
Female

Female
HIV Infections - ethnology; prevention & control
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Patient Acceptance of Health Care - ethnology
Patient Education as Topic - organization & administration
Questionnaires

Associated Chemicals: AIDS Vaccines (0)

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