The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63857

France T. Nguyen, MPH, UCLA, 3505 S. Bentley Avenue, Apt. 16, Los Angeles, CA 90034, 310-836-6625, fnguyen@ucla.edu

INTRODUCTION. South and Southeast Asia ranked second among regions in the world most affected by HIV/AIDS. Viet Nam lies in this region. A majority of those HIV positive is injecting drug users (IDUs). In lieu of upcoming preliminary results from Phase III efficacy trials of the first HIV vaccine, inquiry into dissemination strategies for possible future HIV vaccines is needed. This exploratory project examines attitudes and beliefs about HIV vaccines in a hypothetical situation in Viet Nam. METHODS. Examination of the knowledge about general and HIV vaccines, attitudes of getting vaccinated, and possible behavior changes were explored if a HIV vaccine was available. Data was collected through focus groups comprised of individuals engaging in risky behaviors. Data presented will only focus on IDUs, subset of the entire population in the project. Content analysis was performed. RESULTS. Certain highlights from both groups included many were willing to pay to some extent for a hypothetical HIV vaccine, and expressed that their friends would also be willing to get vaccinated. A majority said that sexual behaviors probably would not change despite availability of a HIV vaccine. CONCLUSION. Most studies have focused on the safety and efficacy in HIV vaccine clinical trials. Consumer research is the next step in the line of HIV vaccine research, and should be conducted prior to dissemination for examining acceptability of a product. This type of research will be useful for understanding issues related to acceptance and barriers for HIV vaccination.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a brief overview of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Viet Nam.
• Identify who are most at risk for HIV/AIDS in Viet Nam.
• Discuss the barriers of getting vaccinated if a hypothetical HIV vaccine was available.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Vietnam

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.