Increasing support for HIV vaccine research: Findings from qualitative research with HIV/AIDS stakeholders in the United States

Background: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) HIV Vaccine Research Education Initiative (NHVREI) is committed to building support for HIV vaccine research among U.S. populations most affected by HIV/AIDS through education, outreach, and partnership. To inform the design of educational programming and materials, NHVREI interviewed leaders of affected communities to obtain their perspectives on community knowledge about and support for HIV vaccine research.

Methods: Sixty-minute telephone interviews were conducted with 23 leaders of affected communities across the United States. Participants were selected from organizations that promote wellness, raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, and/or provide HIV/AIDS services within populations most affected by the disease. Nine participants were from organizations engaged in partnership activities with NHVREI and did not discuss drivers of support for HIV vaccine research.

Results: Most participants (17/23) observed low awareness of HIV vaccine research in their communities. Participants identified concerns for one's community (9/14), altruism (8/14), hope that a vaccine may end the AIDS epidemic (7/14), and desire to be part of a movement (4/14) as drivers of support for HIV vaccine research. Participants identified safety concerns (19/23), distrust of the government/medical researchers (18/23), lack of knowledge about clinical research (14/23), and stigma and discrimination (10/23) as barriers to support.

Conclusion: Although awareness of HIV vaccine research is low, support may be increased by promoting drivers and addressing or demystifying barriers when communicating with the U.S. populations most affected by HIV/AIDS. These findings will inform the development of targeted HIV vaccine research messaging and educational programming.