Knowledge and attitudes of HIV/AIDS and HIV vaccine research: Findings from qualitative research with the public and 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. NHVREI conducted qualitative formative research to ensure future outreach strategies complement the educational needs and interests of these populations.

Methods: Sixty-minute telephone interviews with representatives from HIV/AIDS stakeholder organizations (n=34) and 31 in-person, two-hour focus groups with NHVREI's priority populations—heterosexual African American and Hispanic/Latino men and women, men of any race/ethnicity who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender individuals (n=249) were conducted.

Results: Participants had mixed perceptions of HIV; some believed that HIV/AIDS is less prevalent than in the past, while others thought the incidence of HIV infection was increasing. Most had little knowledge of the concept of preventive HIV vaccines and frequently confused it with a cure for HIV/AIDS. Altruism and hopes of a vaccine ending HIV/AIDS were cited as facilitators of support, while safety concerns (e.g., side effects, vaccine contents), research costs, lack of knowledge, stigma, concerns about access to a future HIV vaccine, and distrust of government, research, and researchers, were cited as barriers to support.

Conclusion: NHVREI can enhance outreach to its priority populations by focusing messaging on altruism, specifically for future generations and one's community. Audiences should also see and hear diverse individuals reinforcing the concept that HIV/AIDS affects all communities and therefore HIV prevention research must reflect all communities. Barriers must be addressed with transparency.