Improving comprehension for HIV vaccine trial information among  adolescents at risk of HIV.
A simplified version of the HIVNET prototype HIV vaccine process was developed for adolescents at risk of HIV by:(1) reducing reading level; (2) reorganizing; (3) adding illustrations; and (4) obtaining focus group feedback. Then adolescents (N = 187) in three cities were randomly assigned to the standard or simplified version. Adolescents receiving the simplified version had significantly higher comprehension scores (80% correct vs. 72% correct), with 37% of items significantly more likely to be answered correctly. They were also significantly more likely to recall study benefits and procedures. Overall, adolescents were less willing to participate in a potential HIV vaccine trial after presentation than prior to presentation. The present study indicates that it would be feasible for adolescents to participate in a vaccine trial, as simplification of vaccine information, combined with illustrations to depict key concepts, resulted in improved scores for adolescents on the comprehension and recall test.
Murphy
D A
DA
University of California, Los Angeles, USA. dmurphy@mednet.ucla.edu
Hoffman
D
D
Seage
G R
GR
Belzer
M
M
Xu
J
J
Durako
S J
SJ
Geiger
M
M
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D032882:Comprehension; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors
D016915:AIDS Vaccines