Increasing and supporting the participation of persons of color living with HIV/AIDS in AIDS clinical trials

Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2010 Nov;7(4):194-200. doi: 10.1007/s11904-010-0055-3.

Abstract

Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) of color are under-represented in AIDS clinical trials (ACTs), which may limit the generalizability of research findings and denies many individuals access to high levels of care and new treatments available through ACTs. Disproportionately low rates of recruitment in health care settings and by providers are a major barrier to ACTs for this group. Moreover, PLHA of color are more likely than their white peers to decline to participate, mainly due to fear and mistrust (although willingness is also high), negative social norms about ACTs, and difficulty navigating the unfamiliar ACT system. We describe a small number of successful behavioral and structural interventions to increase the participation of PLHA of color in screening for and enrollment into ACTs. HIV care settings, clinical trials sites, and trial sponsors are uniquely positioned to develop procedures, supports, and trials to increase the proportion of PLHA of color in ACTs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / ethnology
  • Black or African American*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic*
  • Ethnicity
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Healthcare Disparities / ethnology
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Minority Groups
  • Minority Health
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Participation
  • Patient Selection*
  • Refusal to Participate / ethnology
  • Trust