title: Experiences on recruitment and retention of volunteers in the first HIV vaccine trial in Dar es Salam, Tanzania - the phase I/II HIVIS 03 trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Eventual control of HIV/AIDS is believed to be ultimately dependent on a safe, effective and affordable vaccine. Participation of sub-Saharan Africa in the conduct of HIV trials is crucial as this region still experiences high HIV incidences. We describe the experience of recruiting and retaining volunteers in the first HIV vaccine trial (HIVIS03) in Tanzania.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this trial enrolled volunteers from amongst Police Officers (POs) in Dar es Salaam were primed with HIV-1 DNA vaccine at months 0, 1 and 3; and boosted with HIV-1 MVA vaccine at months 9 and 21. A stepwise education provision/sensitization approach was employed to eventual recruitment. Having identified a "core" group of POs keen on HIV prevention activities, those interested to participate in the vaccine trial were invited for a first screening session that comprised of provision of detailed study information and medical evaluation. In the second screening session results of the initial assessment were provided and those eligible were assessed for willingness to participate (WTP). Those willing were consented and eventually randomized into the trial having met the eligibility criteria. Voluntary participation was emphasized throughout.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 408 POs who formed the core group, 364 (89.0%) attended the educational sessions. 263 out of 364 (72.2%) indicated willingness to participate in the HIV vaccine trial. 98% of those indicating WTP attended the pre-screening workshops. 220 (85.0%) indicated willingness to undergo first screening and 177 POs attended for initial screenings, of whom 162 (91.5%) underwent both clinical and laboratory screenings. 119 volunteers (73.5%) were eligible for the study. 79 were randomized into the trial, while 19 did not turn up, the major reason being partner/family advice. 60 volunteers including 15 females were recruited during a one-year period. All participated in the planned progress updates workshops. Retention into the schedule was: 98% for the 3 DNA/placebo vaccinations, while it was 83% and 73% for the first and second MVA/placebo vaccinations respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this first HIV vaccine trial in Tanzania, we successfully recruited the volunteers and there was no significant loss to follow up. Close contact and updates on study progress facilitated the observed retention rates.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ISRCTN90053831 ISRNCT01132976 and ATMR2009040001075080.
authors: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P,O, Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. drbakari@yahoo.com.
authors: Muhammad
authors: M
authors: Bakari
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Munseri
authors: Joel
authors: J
authors: Francis
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Aris
authors: Candida
authors: C
authors: Moshiro
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Siyame
authors: Mohamed
authors: M
authors: Janabi
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Ngatoluwa
authors: Said
authors: S
authors: Aboud
authors: Eligius
authors: E
authors: Lyamuya
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Sandström
authors: Fred
authors: F
authors: Mhalu
mesh_terms: D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018579:Patient Selection; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016915:AIDS Vaccines