Acceptability of HIV vaccine trials in high-risk heterosexual cohorts in Mombasa, Kenya.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the level of acceptance of a prophylactic HIV vaccine trial in high-risk HIV-seronegative heterosexual cohorts of men and women in Mombasa, Kenya, and to assess the anticipated effects of participation on risk behavior.


METHODS
Standardized questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of commercial sex workers and trucking company employees enrolled in prospective cohort studies.


RESULTS
Ninety-six per cent of respondents believed that HIV was a major problem in Kenya and 86% of men and 94% of women perceived themselves at risk. One hundred per cent of women and 84% of men expressed interest in participation in an HIV vaccine trial, after explanation of the experimental nature of the vaccine, double-blind placebo-controlled design, prolonged follow-up and potential change in serostatus. Seventeen per cent of men and 9% of women anticipated an increase in risk behavior as a result of participation.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of individuals in two high-risk cohorts were interested in participating in Phase III efficacy trials of HIV vaccines. A significant minority anticipated an increase in risk behavior, which emphasizes the need for intensive counseling and education throughout a vaccine trial.
Jackson
D J
DJ
Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98104-2499, USA.
Martin
H L
HL
Bwayo
J J
JJ
Nyange
P M
PM
Rakwar
J P
JP
Kashonga
F
F
Mandaliya
K
K
Ndinya-Achola
J O
JO
Kreiss
J K
JK
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D016915:AIDS Vaccines