Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Eliminating Racial/Ethnic Disparities in AIDS Clinical Trials in the United States: A Qualitative Exploration of an Efficacious Social/Behavioral Intervention

Abstract

Amanda Ritchie, Marya Viorst Gwadz, David Perlman, Rebecca De Guzman, Noelle R Leoard and Charles M Cleland

Background: African American/Black and Hispanic persons living with HIV (AABH-PLWH) are under-represented in AIDS clinical trials (ACTs) in the United States. Barriers AABH-PLWH experience to ACTs are multi-faceted, including distrust of medical research, low levels of knowledge, unsupportive social norms, lack of referral, and challenges navigating ACT systems. In past research we found a multi-component peer-driven intervention was efficacious in boosting rates of screening for/enrollment into ACTs. The present qualitative study seeks to understand AABH-PLWH's perspectives on which specific intervention features or components had utility. Interventions features explored included structural elements (e.g., small group sessions, individual sessions on the ACT research unit); approaches (e.g., Motivational Interviewing); and specific components (e.g., small-group discussion of historical and cultural factors reducing participation among AABH-PLWH). Methods: A total of 37 AABH-PLWH (mean age 50.6 years, SD=7.5 years; 48.6% female; 62.2% African American/ Black, 27.0% Hispanic) were purposively selected from a larger study for in-depth interviews, which were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using systematic content analysis. Results: We found the intervention improved knowledge and positive attitudes toward ACTs, and triggered sociallevel facilitators such as altruism and more positive social norms. Discussions of cultural/historical barriers to ACTs associated with race/ethnicity had utility. Holding a session on the ACT research unit reduced fear and increased motivation. Results highlighted the value of Motivational Interviewing, and several components were perceived as less useful (e.g., involving social network members in ACT decisions). Conclusion: Findings can inform future intervention designs to address racial/ethnic disparities in ACTs and have implications for trials of other conditions where racial/ethnic disparities persist.