Using Social Networks to Recruit an HIV Vaccine Preparedness Cohort

Abstract

Objective Evaluate a social network approach to develop an adolescent cohort for HIV vaccine preparedness and investigate characteristics that influence recruitment. Methods We summarize baseline data from a prospective cohort study that included four sessions over six months. Fifty-nine HIV-infected adolescent and adult patients of a family-based HIV clinic named significant others and indicated willingness to involve them in this study. Sixty-two adolescent and adult significant others not known to be HIV-infected were enrolled. Logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with willingness. Results Participants identified 624 social network members including 276 (44%) adolescents. Network member's awareness of the index's HIV-positivity (P<0.01) and older age (P=0.05) affected willingness. Respondents were less willing to invite drug-risk alters (P=0.006). Adolescents were willing to invite more adolescents than were adults (P<.0001). Adolescents <18 years old reported fewer sexual and drug-using risk behaviors than expected. Conclusions HIV-infected patients are willing to recruit their social networks provided concerns about disclosure of HIV status are addressed. Using social networks to identify and recruit adolescent populations is appropriate and feasible for vaccine preparedness activities, future vaccine trials, and other prevention programs, but procedures are needed to selectively identify and retain high-risk youth.

Drug Users’ Willingness to Encourage Social, Sexual, and Drug Network Members to Receive an HIV Vaccine: A Social Network Analysis

“…This study raises important topical and methodological areas for further research. Consistent with previous studies [19, 22], the data demonstrate that future research should include measures of respondents’ selectivity in communicating about HIV vaccination, specifically assessing to whom they would promote vaccination and/or trial participation. This study also highlights the need to explore risk compensation intentions among those willing to promote the vaccine.…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of a few index individuals to encourage trial participation among a vast number of peers [18, 22], but the present study is the first to use a social network approach to examine intended peer-promotion of an approved HIV vaccine. In the current study, 433 participants reported willingness to encourage vaccination in 1,076 relationships.…”

“…Yet, despite these findings, few quantitative studies have explored social influences related to HIV vaccination [4]. Though some studies have examined individuals’ willingness to discuss clinical trial participation [18–22], findings may not be generalizable the promotion of an approved HIV vaccine. Moreover, with rare exception [22], studies have not investigated with whom participants would discuss trial participation.…”

“…Though some studies have examined individuals’ willingness to discuss clinical trial participation [18–22], findings may not be generalizable the promotion of an approved HIV vaccine. Moreover, with rare exception [22], studies have not investigated with whom participants would discuss trial participation. These limitations present an important gap in understanding, as vaccine promotion may not be an all-or-none phenomenon, but one that individuals engage in selectively depending on personal characteristics, the attributes of the peer, and/or the nature of the relationship.…”

Hepatitis C vaccine clinical trials among people who use drugs: potential for participation and involvement in recruitment

“…In addition, two qualitative studies reported financial compensation as a key motivator for trial participation, along with altruistic motives and positive peer communication and support (23, 24). Despite evidence that peer communication and support can play a role in promoting participation in HCV and HIV clinical trial research (20, 23, 26), no study to date has explored feasibility of involving peer-promotion in HCV trial recruitment among drug users.…”