Willingness to participate in AIDS vaccine trials among high-risk populations in northern Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the anticipated participation in a prophylactic AIDS vaccine trial and to identify perceived benefits and barriers to enrollment of HIV-seronegative volunteers at risk of HIV infection in northern Thailand.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Subjects interviewed in a cross-sectional survey included female commercial sex workers (n = 215), men attending sexually transmitted disease clinics (n = 219), conscripts in the Royal Thai Army (n = 1453), and men discharged from the army (n = 293) who had returned to civilian life. We determined AIDS vaccine knowledge and attitudes, perceived vulnerability to HIV infection, barriers and incentives to participate in a future vaccine trial and agreement to participate in a randomized trial.


RESULTS
Awareness of vaccines (88-97%) and AIDS vaccine development efforts (62-77%) were common and viewed to be a complement to behavior change (74-94%). Approximately 25% of subjects would definitely join a trial if asked, and an additional 38% would accept an AIDS vaccine if they were convinced it would be safe and effective. Important barriers to participation included concerns with discrimination (16-45%), short- (37-60%) and long-term (30-55%) vaccine side-effects, fear of disability and death (36-58%), and beliefs that partners would refuse to have sex (24-49%) after immunization. The principal inducement to join a trial was health insurance (62%).


CONCLUSIONS
Potential HIV vaccine trial participants have several fears of joining a vaccine study at this time. Information derived from Phase I/II trials is needed to address these concerns if enrollment in efficacy trials is to be successful in the near future.
School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
D D
DD
Celentano
C
C
Beyrer
C
C
Natpratan
S
S
Eiumtrakul
L
L
Sussman
P O
PO
Renzullo
C
C
Khamboonruang
K E
KE
Nelson
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work
D016915:AIDS Vaccines