A qualitative assessment of perspectives on the inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials in South Africa.
Adolescents are at high risk for HIV acquisition, and thus need to be included in HIV vaccine trials. In preparation for inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials in an urban community in Cape Town with a high antenatal HIV prevalence, the study assessed the attitudes towards the inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials. A total of 18 focus group discussions were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. The participants (n = 200) were adolescents, young adults, parents and other key informants. Participants from all groups welcomed the inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials due to their high-risk status. There were, however, concerns about sexual disinhibition, fear of side-effects, fear of HIV testing and disclosure of HIV status, mistrust of nurses and clinics. The study highlighted a number of ethical and social issues that need to be addressed before the trials.
Jaspan
H B
HB
Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. heather.jaspan@sbri.org
Soka
N F
NF
Mathews
C
C
Flisher
A J
AJ
Mark
D
D
Middelkoop
K
K
Wood
R
R
Bekker
L-G
LG
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population
D016915:AIDS Vaccines