INCENTIVES AND DISINCENTIVES TO PARTICIPATE IN PROPHYLACTIC HIV VACCINE RESEARCH

An anonymous cross-sectional paper-and-pencil survey was used to asses s incentives and disincentives to participate in a Phase I preventive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine trial in a potential Thai t arget population. A total of 255 persons employed in health care servi ce and research settings completed questionnaires after attending info rmational briefings regarding the proposed vaccine product and the pla nned trial procedures, Willingness to participate was related to self- perceived benefits from joining a preventive vaccine trial, as well as to concerns about product safety and social discrimination that might result from participation. The distinction between positive results o f enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from vaccine administration and po sitivity from HIV infection was unclear for many participants. Men wer e more willing to participate than women, and there was a trend toward greater willingness to participate in those who were less educated, P reparations for preventive vaccine trials may be more successful if th ey emphasize personal benefits of trial participation, clearly address safety issues, and consider ways to prevent social discrimination aga inst participants.