African-American and Hispanic Perceptions of HIV Vaccine Clinical Research: A Qualitative Study:

Abstract Purpose. To examine perceptions of phase-I human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine trial participation among African-Americans and Hispanics in San Francisco, California. Design. Qualitative, semistructured interviews. Setting. San Francisco Department of Health. Participants. Thirty-six African-American and Hispanic men and women, 18 to 50 years of age, residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Method. Purposive sampling using advertisements, community-based organization rosters, and snowball referrals. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified salient themes and patterns. Results. Participants viewed participation in HIV research as important; however, they held that HIV was not a health priority given limited awareness about HIV research or beliefs that only infected or high-risk persons were eligible for participation. Altruism and personal gain, trustworthy trial staff, convenient schedules and facilities, and involvement of trusted community groups in recruitment were perceived to motiva...