Work

Why blacks do not take part in HIV vaccine trials.

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: AIDS is still a major cause of death. To combat this disease, researchers are developing a vaccine. Although blacks account for most new infections in the United States, they account for a low percent of experimental vaccine recipients. This study, conducted in a mid-sized U.S. city where vaccine trials are held, seeks to learn why. METHODS: We conducted 11 in-depth ethnographic interviews. Two groups were targeted: blacks who had not participated in HIV vaccine trials and blacks who had. RESULTS: Overall, three major causes of nonparticipation were identified: misinformation, fear/mistrust and stigma. Factors that favored participation included having close friends with HIV and being homosexual. CONCLUSIONS: HIV is considered by many blacks to be a gay, white disease. Steps to increase participation must include efforts to destigmatize the condition and disseminate accurate information. Efforts to address historical causes of mistrust through "education" alone are insufficient. Trust needs to be earned through long-term relationships with black communities.

Source: PubMed Central

Authors: Demetrius L Moutsiakis, P Nancy Chin

Institution: University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Language: English

Topic: Ethics in Clinical Research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute

Award: Radiology Cancer Research Training Curriculum