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.

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. 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. 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. 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.\u

Post-HIV vaccine trials’ misperception and associated factors among participating communities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

 Background: Despite the successful conduct of three Phase I/II HIV vaccine trials in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, misperception around the trials has been reported. In this study, misperception means incorrect understanding that in Phase I/II HIV vaccine trial, the researchers infected the volunteers with HIV. We describe the magnitude of misperception around HIV vaccine trials and associated factors among participating communities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study that included 605 respondents aged ³18 years from the communities that participated in Phase I/II HIV vaccine trials. These communities comprised of youths, Police and Prison officers. Respondents were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, and responses to HIV vaccine trial related questions. Results: Of the 605 respondents, 156 (26%) had misperception that the researchers infected the volunteers with HIV during the trials, while 58% weren’t sure whether the researchers infected the volunteers with the HIV or not. Awareness about progress in HIV vaccine development (adjusted risk ratio (RR)=1.50; 95% CI=1.11 – 2.04), participation in an HIV vaccine sensitization meeting (adjusted RR=1.50; 95% CI=1.14-1.97) and advanced secondary education (adjusted RR=1.92; 95% CI=1.19 – 3.09) were associated with an increased likelihood of having the misperception that researchers infected the volunteers. Nevertheless, the majority (94.5%) of respondents showed a willingness to know more about ongoing HIV vaccine studies while about 44.3% had reservations of taking part in HIV vaccine trials due to fear of getting HIV from the vaccine. Conclusions: The misperception that researchers infected volunteers with HIV in Phase I/II trial is significant and was associated with respondents’ awareness about HIV vaccine development, participation in sensitization meetings and advanced education. Partial knowledge about HIV vaccine trials was of note. Future HIV vaccine trials should strive to address the knowledge gap