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Lezo Ramirez D, Koleske E, Ometoruwa O, Park Chang JB, Kanwal U, Morreale N, Avila Paz AA, Tong A, Baden LR, Sherman AC, Walsh SR. Evaluating enrollment and representation in COVID-19 and HIV vaccine clinical trials. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1411970. [PMID: 39131572 PMCID: PMC11311253 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1411970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine clinical trials should strive to recruit a racially, socioeconomically, and ethnically diverse range of participants to ensure appropriate representation that matches population characteristics. Yet, full inclusion in research is often limited. Methods A single-center retrospective study was conducted of adults enrolled at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA) between July 2020 and December 2021. Demographic characteristics, including age, race, ethnicity, ZIP code, and sex assigned at birth, were analyzed from both HIV and COVID-19 vaccine trials during the study period, acknowledging the limitations to representation under these parameters. We compared the educational attainment of vaccine trial participants to residents of the Massachusetts metropolitan area, geocoded participants' addresses to their census block group, and linked them to reported median household income levels from publicly available data for 2020. Frequency and quartile analyses were carried out, and spatial analyses were performed using ArcGIS Online web-based mapping software (Esri). Results A total of 1030 participants from four COVID-19 vaccine trials (n = 916 participants) and six HIV vaccine trials (n = 114 participants) were included in the analysis. The median age was 49 years (IQR 33-63) and 28 years (IQR 24-34) for the COVID-19 and HIV vaccine trials, respectively. Participants identifying as White were the majority group represented for both the COVID-19 (n = 598, 65.3%) and HIV vaccine trials (n = 83, 72.8%). Fewer than 25% of participants identified as Hispanic or Latin. Based on ZIP code of residence, the median household income for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants (n = 846) was 102,088 USD (IQR = 81,442-126,094). For HIV vaccine clinical trial participants (n = 109), the median household income was 101,266 USD (IQR 75,052-108,832). Conclusion We described the characteristics of participants enrolled for HIV and COVID-19 vaccine trials at a single center and found similitude in geographical distribution, median incomes, and proportion of underrepresented individuals between the two types of vaccine candidate trials. Further outreach efforts are needed to ensure the inclusion of individuals from lower educational and socioeconomic brackets. In addition, continued and sustained efforts are necessary to ensure inclusion of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Lezo Ramirez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily Koleske
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Omolola Ometoruwa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jun Bai Park Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Urwah Kanwal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nicholas Morreale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Alexandra Tong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lindsey R. Baden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amy C. Sherman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen R. Walsh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Rogers BG, Chan PA, Sutten-Coats C, Zanowick-Marr A, Patel RR, Mena L, Goedel WC, Chu C, Silva E, Galipeau D, Arnold T, Gomillia C, Curoe K, Villalobos J, Underwood A, Sosnowy C, Nunn AS. Perspectives on long-acting formulations of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men who are non-adherent to daily oral PrEP in the United States. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1643. [PMID: 37641018 PMCID: PMC10463714 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) persistence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in real world clinical settings for HIV prevention is suboptimal. New longer-acting formulations of PrEP are becoming available, including injectables, subdermal implants, and other oral medications. These longer-acting formulations have the potential to improve retention among those who have challenges remaining adherent to daily oral PrEP. METHODS We interviewed 49 MSM who had initiated but discontinued oral PrEP at three diverse clinics across the United States. We examined participants' perspectives about long-acting PrEP formulations and how long-acting options could affect PrEP use using thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants were not very knowledgeable about long-acting formulations of PrEP but were open to learning about them and considering use. Participants were concerned about safety and efficacy of products given that they were still newer and/or in development. Finally, participants had clear preferences for oral pills, injectables, and then subdermal implants and were most interested in options that reduced the number of visits to the clinic. CONCLUSION Long-acting formulations of PrEP are acceptable to MSM with suboptimal PrEP persistence and have the potential to improve PrEP persistence. However, many felt they needed more information on safety, efficacy, and use to consider these options. As these long-acting formulations are implemented, public health campaigns and clinical interventions to encourage may maximize uptake particularly among those who are not currently adherent to daily oral PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke G Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA.
| | - P A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Rhode Island, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - C Sutten-Coats
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Rhode Island, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - A Zanowick-Marr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - R R Patel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - L Mena
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - W C Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Rhode Island, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - C Chu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - E Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - D Galipeau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - T Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - C Gomillia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - K Curoe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - J Villalobos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - A Underwood
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - C Sosnowy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA
| | - Amy S Nunn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases,, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, 02903, USA.
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Rhode Island, Providence, 02903, USA.
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Rogers BG, Sosnowy C, Zanowick-Marr A, Chan PA, Mena LA, Patel RR, Goedel WC, Arnold T, Chu C, Galipeau D, Montgomery MC, Curoe K, Underwood A, Villalobos J, Gomillia C, Nunn AS. Facilitators for retaining men who have sex with men in pre-exposure prophylaxis care in real world clinic settings within the United States. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:673. [PMID: 35931953 PMCID: PMC9354303 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07658-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can significantly reduce HIV acquisition especially among communities with high HIV prevalence, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Much research has been finding suboptimal PrEP persistence; however, few studies examine factors that enhance PrEP persistence in real-world settings. METHODS We interviewed 33 patients who identified as MSM at three different PrEP clinics in three regions of the U.S. (Northeast, South, Midwest). Participants were eligible if they took PrEP and had been retained in care for a minimum of 6 months. Interviews explored social, structural, clinic-level and behavioral factors that influencing PrEP persistence. RESULTS Through thematic analysis we identified the following factors as promoting PrEP persistence: (1) navigation to reduce out-of-pocket costs of PrEP (structural), (2) social norms that support PrEP use (social), (3) access to LGBTQ + affirming medical providers (clinical), (4) medication as part of a daily routine (behavioral), and (5) facilitation of sexual health agency (belief). DISCUSSION In this sample, persistence in PrEP care was associated with structural and social supports as well as a high level of perceived internal control over protecting their health by taking PrEP. Patients might benefit from increased access, LGBTQ + affirming medical providers, and communications that emphasize PrEP can promote sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke G. Rogers
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - C. Sosnowy
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - A. Zanowick-Marr
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - P. A. Chan
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - L. A. Mena
- grid.410721.10000 0004 1937 0407Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA ,grid.410721.10000 0004 1937 0407Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - R. R. Patel
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - W. C. Goedel
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - T. Arnold
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - C. Chu
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - D. Galipeau
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - M. C. Montgomery
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - K. Curoe
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - A. Underwood
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - J. Villalobos
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - C. Gomillia
- grid.410721.10000 0004 1937 0407Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - A. S. Nunn
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903 USA
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Masters JC, Cook JA, Anderson G, Nucci G, Colzi A, Hellio MP, Corrigan B. Ensuring diversity in clinical trials: The role of clinical pharmacology. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 118:106807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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