title: How researchers define vulnerable populations in HIV/AIDS clinical trials.
abstract: In this study, we interviewed researchers, asking them to define vulnerable populations in HIV/AIDS clinical trials, and provide feedback on the federal regulations for three vulnerable populations. Interview data informed a conceptual framework, and were content analyzed to identify acceptability or disagreement with the regulations. Beginning with several characteristics of vulnerable enrollees identified by researchers, the conceptual framework illustrates possible scenarios of how enrollees could be considered vulnerable in clinical research. Content analysis identified barriers affecting HIV/AIDS researchers' ability to conduct clinical trials with pregnant women, prisoners, and children, for which the regulations specify additional protections. This study challenges current thinking about federal regulations' group-based approach to defining vulnerable populations.
authors: The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3470, USA. sengups@unc.edu
authors: Sohini
authors: S
authors: Sengupta
authors: Bernard
authors: B
authors: Lo
authors: Ronald P
authors: RP
authors: Strauss
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Eron
authors: Allen L
authors: AL
authors: Gifford
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011329:Prisoners; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000145:classification* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence