title: Assessing the interest to participate in a dengue vaccine efficacy trial among residents of Puerto Rico.
abstract: Dengue, endemic in Puerto Rico, is a major public health problem. Vaccines are thought the best means to prevent dengue because vector control alone has been largely ineffective. We implemented qualitative studies in 2006 and 2010 to determine the acceptability of conducting placebo-controlled dengue vaccine efficacy trials in Puerto Rican children. Key informant interviews and focus groups with parents and children were conducted in municipalities with high dengue incidence. We used structured open-ended questions to determine motivators and attitudes regarding vaccine trial participation. Knowledge about dengue risk and prevention, and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding vaccines and vaccine trials were assessed. Using grounded theory, we conducted content analysis and established categories and sub-categories of participant responses. All participants were knowledgeable about dengue prevention and perceived children as most affected age groups. Participants were aware of vaccines benefits and they thought a vaccine could prevent dengue. However, most would not allow their children to participate in a placebo-controlled vaccine trial. Barriers included lack of trust in new vaccines and vaccine trial procedures; fear of developing dengue or side effects from the vaccine and lack of information about candidate dengue vaccines. Participants thought information, including results of previous trials might overcome barriers to participation. Motivators for participation were altruism, protection from dengue, free medical attention, and compensation for transportation and participation. Parents would consider children participation if accurate vaccine trial information is provided.
authors: Dengue Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico. cnp8@cdc.gov
authors: Carmen L
authors: CL
authors: Pérez-Guerra
authors: Rosa L
authors: RL
authors: Rodríguez-Acosta
authors: Eunice
authors: E
authors: Soto-Gómez
authors: Emily
authors: E
authors: Zielinski-Gutierrez
authors: Marisol
authors: M
authors: Peña-Orellana
authors: Luis M
authors: LM
authors: Santiago
authors: Reinaldo
authors: R
authors: Rivera
authors: R Rhode
authors: RR
authors: Cruz
authors: Viani
authors: V
authors: Ramírez
authors: Kay M
authors: KM
authors: Tomashek
authors: Gustavo
authors: G
authors: Dayan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D003715:Dengue / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053059:Dengue Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011647:Puerto Rico; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D053059:Dengue Vaccines