3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Rio de Janeiro - July 24 - 27, 2005

FEASIBILITY OF HIV VACCINE EFFICACY TRIALS IN SOUTH AFRICAN ADOLESCENTS

IAS Conf HIV Pathog Treat 2005 Jul 24-27;3rd: Abstract No. WePp0202

Jaspan H.B.¹, Berwick J.R.¹, Mathews C.², Myer L.³, Flisher A.J.³, Seebregts C.⁴, Bekker L.-G.^1
1 Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, ² University of Cape Town; Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, ³ University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, 4Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents are important targets for a future preventative HIV vaccine. This study assesses the HIV prevalence and risk behaviour of adolescents for future phase III HIV vaccine trials. The study also explores the feasibility of recruiting adolescents into HIV vaccine trials, a group thought to be hard to reach, and the factors that may influence willingness to participate.

METHODS: 11 – 19 year olds from a peri-urban Xhosa-speaking community were randomly selected from census data. The adolescents were tested for HIV antibodies in oral mucosal transudate, after appropriate consent was obtained. They completed self-administered questionnaires on their demographics, sexual behaviour, and HIV vaccine trial willingness to participate.

RESULTS: Of the 256 participants who have completed their visits, the mean age was 14.3 years (SD, 2.7) and the mean level of education was 7th grade (range, grade 1 to 12). 18 (7%, 95% CI 4.2 – 10.9) tested HIV positive. Overall, 31% of participants reported having had sex. Sexual debut was significantly more likely among females (p=0.01). Reported condom use was inconsistently high. 53% of participants thought they would definitely participate in an HIV vaccine study. Willingness to participate was not associated with gender or sexual activity, but was strongly associated with both increasing age (p=0.01) and grade (p<0.01). The most common reason for HIV vaccine trial participation included hope that the study vaccine might protect them from HIV. The most commonly perceived barrier to participation was fear of unknown side effects. Other barriers included fear that the vaccine could give them HIV or fear of needles.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that incidence and sexual risk in this population is high enough to facilitate HIV vaccine efficacy trials. Adolescents in this setting seem willing to participate in HIV vaccine research, but full understanding of trial information will be important. Potential barriers must be overcome.

Download PDF of this abstract.

050724
Prevention | WePp0202 | Jaspan H.B.
Planning For Vaccine Efficacy Trials

Copyright © 2005 - International AIDS Society (IAS). All information and content relating to the abstracts from the 3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, such as text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, and software is protected by copyright. Permission is hereby granted for the non-commercial use or reproduction of the information on this web site, provided that the use of such information is accompanied by an acknowledgement that IAS is the source of the information and the name of the author of the article.

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. Permission is hereby granted for the non-commercial use or reproduction of the information herein, provided that the use of such information is accompanied by an acknowledgement that IAS is the source of the information and the name of the author of the article.