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Noorman MAJ, de Wit JBF, Marcos TA, Stutterheim SE, Jonas KJ, den Daas C. The Importance of Social Engagement in the Development of an HIV Cure: A Systematic Review of Stakeholder Perspectives. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3789-3812. [PMID: 37329470 PMCID: PMC10589186 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04095-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
As research into the development of an HIV cure gains prominence, assessing the perspectives of stakeholders becomes imperative. It empowers stakeholders to determine priorities and influence research processes. We conducted a systematic review of the empirical literature on stakeholder perspectives. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for empirical, peer-reviewed articles, published before September 2022. Our analysis of 78 papers showed that stakeholders could be divided into three categories: people with HIV, key populations, and professionals. Following thematic synthesis, two main themes were distinguished: stakeholders' perspectives on HIV cure research and stakeholders' perspectives on HIV cure. Research on perspectives on HIV cure research showed that stakeholders' hypothetical willingness to participate (WTP) in HIV cure research was relatively high, while actual WTP was found to be lower. Studies also identified associated (individual) characteristics of hypothetical WTP, as well as facilitators and barriers to hypothetical participation. Additionally, we reported research on experiences of actual HIV cure research participation. Our analysis of stakeholder perceptions of HIV cure showed that most stakeholders preferred a cure that could eliminate HIV and outlined positive associated impacts. Furthermore, we observed that most included studies were conducted among PWHIV, and in the Global North. To empower stakeholders, we recommend that future research include an even greater diversity of stakeholders and incorporate theories of behavior to further explore how stakeholders decide to meaningfully engage in every stage of HIV cure research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike A J Noorman
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - John B F de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tamika A Marcos
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah E Stutterheim
- Department of Health Promotion and Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal den Daas
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Health Psychology Group, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Dubé K, Barr E, Philbin M, Perez-Brumer A, Minalga B, Peterson B, Averitt D, Picou B, Martel K, Chung C, Mejía M, Cameron M, Graham G, Dee L, Diallo DD, Gordon E, Korolkova A, Dyer T, Auerbach JD, Scully E, Dong KL, Gianella S. Increasing the meaningful involvement of women in HIV cure-related research: a qualitative interview study in the United States. HIV Res Clin Pract 2023; 24:2246717. [PMID: 37608645 PMCID: PMC10454980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisgender women represent over half of people living with HIV globally. However, current research efforts toward a cure for HIV focus predominantly on cisgender men. The under-representation of women in HIV cure clinical studies is particularly problematic given data suggesting that sex-dependent phenotypes limit scientific discovery. OBJECTIVE We aimed to generate considerations to increase the meaningful involvement of women in HIV cure-related research. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with biomedical researchers and community members to better understand factors that could increase the meaningful involvement of women in HIV cure clinical trials. Participants were affiliated with academia, industry, community advisory boards, and community-based organizations, and were identified using listings from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group and the Martin Delaney Collaboratories. We used conventional content analysis to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS We recruited 27 participants, of whom 11 were biomedical researchers and 16 were community members. Participants included 25 cisgender women, 1 transgender woman, and 1 cisgender man. Key considerations emerged, including the need to ensure that HIV cure studies reflect HIV epidemiologic trends and having accurate representation by sex and gender in HIV cure research. To increase the meaningful involvement of women, recommendations included instituting intentional enrollment goals, frequent and mandatory reporting on enrollment, and incentives for sites to enroll women. Additional themes included the need for agency and self-determination, attention to lived experiences, trauma and healing, and adequate support for women (e.g. logistical, psychosocial, mental, emotional, and physical). Participants noted that women would be willing to participate in HIV cure trials, related procedures (e.g. biopsies), and analytical treatment interruptions. They also expressed a desired for women-centered and holistic clinical trial designs that account for intersectionality. CONCLUSIONS Our empirical inquiry extends recent calls to action to increase diversity of people involved in HIV cure research. Redressing the under-inclusion of women in HIV cure research is an urgent imperative. The entire field must mobilize and reform to achieve this goal. Meaningfully involving women across the gender spectrum in HIV cure research is needed to ensure that interventions are safe, effective, scalable, and acceptable for all people with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health (IDGPH), 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, San Diego, CA, 92093-0507, USA
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7411, USA
| | - Elizabeth Barr
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Morgan Philbin
- Center for Vulnerable Populations, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 2789 25 Street, Suite 350, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Room 500, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Brian Minalga
- Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Beth Peterson
- Wistar Institute and BEAT-HIV Delaney Collaboratory Towards an HIV-1 Cure, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Dawn Averitt
- The Well Project and Women’s Research Initiative on HIV/AIDS (WRI), Nationwide, USA
| | - Bridgette Picou
- The Well Project and Women’s Research Initiative on HIV/AIDS (WRI), Nationwide, USA
| | - Krista Martel
- The Well Project and Women’s Research Initiative on HIV/AIDS (WRI), Nationwide, USA
| | - Cecilia Chung
- Transgender Law Center, PO Box 70976, Oakland, CA, 94612-0976, USA
| | - María Mejía
- The Well Project Community Advisory Board (CAB), Nationwide, USA
| | - Martha Cameron
- International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW), North America
| | - Gail Graham
- University of Maryland PATIENTS Program, 20 North Pine Sreet, Maryland, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Lynda Dee
- AIDS Action Baltimore, 14 East Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | | | - Ebony Gordon
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
- San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF), 1035 Market Street, 4 Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA
| | - Anastasia Korolkova
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health (IDGPH), 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, San Diego, CA, 92093-0507, USA
| | - Typhanye Dyer
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, 4200 Valley Drive, Suite 2242, College Park, MD, 20742-2611, USA
| | - Judith D. Auerbach
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, UCSF, 550 16 Street, 3 Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Eileen Scully
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Krista L. Dong
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139-3583, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MD, 02114, USA
| | - Sara Gianella
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health (IDGPH), 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, San Diego, CA, 92093-0507, USA
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Round R, Gokool N, Manica G, Paschall L, Foulcer S. Improving access for and experience of transgender and non-binary patients in clinical research: Insights from a transgender patient focus group and targeted literature reviews. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 131:107243. [PMID: 37245727 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The transgender and non-binary communities make up a significant, growing proportion of the population, but, to date, few clinical trials report including transgender and non-binary individuals. METHODS As part of a mixed-method approach, multiple literature searches for articles published from January 2018 to July 2022 and a Patient Advisory Council (a semi-structured patient focus group) meeting were conducted to identify challenges faced by the transgender and non-binary communities when accessing healthcare and participating in clinical research. A set of guidelines to promote inclusivity in clinical research was developed using these findings. RESULTS During this time period, only 107 (0.08%) of 141,661 published articles of clinical trials reported participation of transgender or non-binary patients. A targeted search identified only 48 articles reporting specific barriers to inclusion in clinical research, while an expanded search identified 290 articles reporting barriers to healthcare access for transgender and non-binary patients. Several key considerations to promote study inclusivity emerged from the literature searches and Patient Advisory Council: adjust clinical protocols, informed consent documents, and data collection forms to distinguish sex assigned at birth from gender identity; involve members of the transgender and non-binary communities in research whenever possible; provide communication training to personnel involved in clinical research; and maximize accessibility for potential participants. CONCLUSION Future research on investigational drug dosing and drug interactions in transgender and non-binary patients, along with regulatory guidance, are recommended to ensure clinical trials' processes, designs, systems, and technologies are transgender and non-binary patient-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming.
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Campbell DM, Cowlings PD, Tholanah M, Robinson MJ, Graham G, Aseru S, Dubé K, Cohn SE, Bar KJ, Connick E, Mngqbisa R, Scully EP, Stockman JK, Gianella S. A Community Call to Action to Prioritize Inclusion and Enrollment of Women in HIV Cure-related Research. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:e12-e14. [PMID: 36083494 PMCID: PMC9646409 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Campbell
- Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health, University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University, La Jolla, CA
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA
| | - Portia D. Cowlings
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Education, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Martha Tholanah
- Milton Park Clinical Research Site, Community Advisory Board, University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Center, Milton Park
| | | | - Gail Graham
- Johns Hopkins University AIDS Clinical Trials Group Clinical Research Site, Community Advisory Board, Baltimore, MD
| | - Scovia Aseru
- Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC)/Kampala Clinical Research Site, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karine Dubé
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Susan E. Cohn
- Infectious Diseases Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | - Rosie Mngqbisa
- Durban International Clinical Research Site, AIDS Clinical Trials Group, Durban, South Africa
| | - Eileen P. Scully
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jamila K. Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Sara Gianella
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
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Addressing Women’s Needs with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Enhancing the Visibility of Pharmacists in the Public Health Arena. WOMEN 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/women2040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to have a staggering effect on women’s lives in the United States (U.S.). Women Living With HIV (WLWH) face many challenges, such as mental health disorders, compared to their male counterparts. These diagnoses make women more disproportionally affected, and meaningful healthcare interventions must address these conditions. This review has three foci: WLWH in the U.S., their access to care and staying in care once antiretroviral treatment has been initiated, coping with mental health, and the role of the U.S. pharmacists in access to the treatment. Pharmacists are the most easily accessible healthcare profession in the U.S. For example, 93% of American customers live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy. Pharmacists are the last healthcare provider with whom the patient interacts before a medication is dispensed; thus, they are in an ideal position to intervene. Engaging pharmacists to provide care for patients with chronic disease states such as HIV has resulted in positive outcomes. Although there are global and U.S. studies that emphasize the role of pharmacists in directing care for persons living with HIV, there is a lack of studies conducted about the role of pharmacists in managing mental health. Future research must address WLWH and mental health conditions to develop targeted interventions from an interdisciplinary team perspective.
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Saberi P, Campbell CK, Sauceda JA, Ndukwe S, Dubé K. Perceptions of Risks and Benefits of Participating in HIV Cure-Related Research Among Diverse Young Adults Living with HIV in the United States: Qualitative Research Findings. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:649-659. [PMID: 35579937 PMCID: PMC9464049 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2021.0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, young adults have the highest rates of new HIV infections, and are less likely to be aware of their infection, be engaged in care, or achieve HIV viral suppression. As biomedical HIV research increasingly focuses on achieving long-term suppression without antiretroviral therapy (ART) and finding an HIV cure, little is known about perceptions of young adults living with HIV (YLWH) regarding HIV cure research. We recruited a diverse sample of 20 YLWH (18-29 years old) to participate in individual semistructured qualitative interviews to explore knowledge and perceptions of HIV cure research, and motivations and barriers to participation. Most participants had little knowledge of HIV cure research. Motivators of HIV cure research participation included altruism, stigma reduction, and the elimination of the clinical burdens of HIV. Barriers included potential physical side effects, psychological distress, the possibility of disclosure as a result of participating, and the amount of time required to participate. Most participants had concerns about analytic treatment interruptions (i.e., ART interruption to assess HIV remission), and indicated that they would want more frequent laboratory testing and protection for their sex partners during this time. Finally, participants suggested that, if other YLWH are considering participation in cure research, they should first learn as much as possible about the research, and then consider the potential personal benefits and the contribution that they could make to science and their communities. As HIV cure research advances, the participation of YLWH will be critical. Our study provides knowledge about how YLWH view HIV cure research. More sociobehavioral research is needed to ensure that those who are most likely to be the decision-makers and beneficiaries of an HIV cure are included at all levels of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parya Saberi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Address correspondence to: Parya Saberi, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF Box 0886, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Chadwick K. Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John A. Sauceda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samuel Ndukwe
- School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Gillings, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karine Dubé
- School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Gillings, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Campbell DM, Dubé K, Cowlings PD, Dionicio P, Tam RM, Agarwal H, Stockman JK, Auerbach JD, Sauceda JA, Conroy AA, Johnson MO. "It comes altogether as one:" perceptions of analytical treatment interruptions and partner protections among racial, ethnic, sex and gender diverse HIV serodifferent couples in the United States. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1317. [PMID: 35810288 PMCID: PMC9270765 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most HIV cure-related studies involve interrupting antiretroviral treatment to assess the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions - also known as analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs). ATIs imply the risk of passing HIV to sexual partners due to the loss of undetectable HIV status. There has been a notable lack of attention paid to perceptions of ATIs among racial, ethnic, sex and gender minorities, and HIV serodifferent couples. These populations are among those most impacted by HIV in the United States. Future HIV cure research paradigms should equitably include considerations from these groups. METHODS From August - October 2020, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 racial, ethnic, sex, and gender minority HIV serodifferent couples in geographically diverse regions of the United States to understand their perspectives about ATIs and partner protection measures to prevent secondary HIV transmissions because of participation in ATI studies. We used framework analysis to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS Of the 10 couples recruited, four identified as a gay couple, two as a gay and bisexual couple, two as a heterosexual couple, one as a gay and queer couple, and one as a queer couple. We found that HIV serodifferent couples in our study viewed ATIs as contradicting HIV treatment adherence messages. Couples expressed discomfort around ATIs in HIV cure research. They were concerned with the return of HIV detectability and worried ATIs might result in secondary HIV transmission. Participants were strongly in favor of using a range of partner protection measures during ATIs that included PrEP, HIV risk reduction counseling, and alternatives for penetrative sex practices. Couples also recommended that sex partners be consulted or involved as part of ATI trials. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight new potential opportunities and strategies to mitigate risk of HIV transmission during ATIs among key groups historically under-represented in HIV cure research. Findings also underscore the relational aspects of ATI trials. We provide preliminary considerations for planning ATI trials with diverse HIV serodifferent partners. Future studies should continue to explore these issues among other types of partnerships, cultures, and socio-cultural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Campbell
- grid.254041.60000 0001 2323 2312Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA ,Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health, University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Karine Dubé
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Portia D. Cowlings
- grid.254041.60000 0001 2323 2312Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA ,grid.261833.d0000 0001 0691 6376Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Department of Education, Pepperdine University, 6100 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045 USA
| | - Patricia Dionicio
- Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health, University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Rowena M. Tam
- Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health, University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Harsh Agarwal
- grid.10698.360000000122483208UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Jamila K. Stockman
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Judith D. Auerbach
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Sciences, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - John A. Sauceda
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Sciences, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Amy A. Conroy
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Sciences, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Mallory O. Johnson
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Sciences, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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Dubé K, Kanazawa J, Campbell C, Boone CA, Maragh-Bass AC, Campbell DM, Agosto-Rosario M, Stockman JK, Diallo DD, Poteat T, Johnson M, Saberi P, Sauceda JA. Considerations for Increasing Racial, Ethnic, Gender, and Sexual Diversity in HIV Cure-Related Research with Analytical Treatment Interruptions: A Qualitative Inquiry. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:50-63. [PMID: 33947268 PMCID: PMC8785755 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2021.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite disproportionate incidence and prevalence of HIV among transgender individuals, cisgender women, and racial and ethnic minority groups, all remain underrepresented in HIV cure research. As HIV cure trials are scaled up, there is emerging research on ways to mitigate risks of HIV acquisition for sexual partners of analytical treatment interruption (ATI) trial participants. As such, it is imperative that HIV cure researchers consider the implications of implementing ATIs in populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV, but largely underrepresented in trials to date. In this qualitative study, we sought to derive triangulated perspectives on the social and ethical implications regarding ATIs and partner protection strategies during ATIs among under-represented populations. We conducted 21 in-depth interviews with 5 types of informants: bioethicists, community members [people living with HIV (PLWH) and their advocates], biomedical HIV cure researchers, sociobehavioral scientists, and HIV care providers. We analyzed the data using conventional content analysis and reduced the data to important considerations for implementing ATI trials in diverse communities and settings. Our study revealed the following key themes: (1) attention must be paid to gender and power dynamics in ATI trials; (2) ATI trials should be designed and implemented through the lenses of intersectionality and equity frameworks; (3) ATI trials may have both positive and negative effects on stigma for PLWH and their partners; and (4) partnership dynamics should be considered when designing ATI protocols. Our study generated actionable considerations that could be implemented in ATI trials to promote their acceptability to communities that have been underrepresented in HIV cure research to date. Research teams must invest in robust community and stakeholder engagement to define best practices. Paying attention to representation and equity will also promote better and more equitable implementation of HIV cure strategies once these become ready for rollout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Address correspondence to: Karine Dubé, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - John Kanazawa
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chadwick Campbell
- Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cheriko A. Boone
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Allysha C. Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, and Clinical Sciences, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Danielle M. Campbell
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Jamila K. Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Tonia Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mallory Johnson
- Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Parya Saberi
- Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John A. Sauceda
- Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
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Dubé K, Kanazawa J, Taylor J, Dee L, Jones N, Roebuck C, Sylla L, Louella M, Kosmyna J, Kelly D, Clanton O, Palm D, Campbell DM, Onaiwu MG, Patel H, Ndukwe S, Henley L, Johnson MO, Saberi P, Brown B, Sauceda JA, Sugarman J. Ethics of HIV cure research: an unfinished agenda. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:83. [PMID: 34193141 PMCID: PMC8243312 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pursuit of a cure for HIV is a high priority for researchers, funding agencies, governments and people living with HIV (PLWH). To date, over 250 biomedical studies worldwide are or have been related to discovering a safe, effective, and scalable HIV cure, most of which are early translational research and experimental medicine. As HIV cure research increases, it is critical to identify and address the ethical challenges posed by this research. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the growing HIV cure research ethics literature, focusing on articles published in English peer-reviewed journals from 2013 to 2021. We extracted and summarized key developments in the ethics of HIV cure research. Twelve community advocates actively engaged in HIV cure research provided input on this summary and suggested areas warranting further ethical inquiry and foresight via email exchange and video conferencing. Discussion Despite substantial scholarship related to the ethics of HIV cure research, additional attention should focus on emerging issues in six categories of ethical issues: (1) social value (ongoing and emerging biomedical research and scalability considerations); (2) scientific validity (study design issues, such as the use of analytical treatment interruptions and placebos); (3) fair selection of participants (equity and justice considerations); (4) favorable benefit/risk balance (early phase research, benefit-risk balance, risk perception, psychological risks, and pediatric research); (5) informed consent (attention to language, decision-making, informed consent processes and scientific uncertainty); and (6) respect for enrolled participants and community (perspectives of people living with HIV and affected communities and representation). Conclusion HIV cure research ethics has an unfinished agenda. Scientific research and bioethics should work in tandem to advance ethical HIV cure research. Because the science of HIV cure research will continue to rapidly advance, ethical considerations of the major themes we identified will need to be revisited and refined over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA.
| | - John Kanazawa
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Jeff Taylor
- HIV + Aging Research Project - Palm Springs (HARP-PS), Palm Springs, CA, USA.,AntiViral Research Center (AVRC) Community Advisory Board (CAB), San Diego, CA, USA.,Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication (CARE) CAB, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lynda Dee
- AIDS Action Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board (CAB), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nora Jones
- BEAT-HIV Collaboratory CAB, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jan Kosmyna
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Community Scientific Subcommittee (CSS) Ethics Working Group, Nationwide, USA
| | - David Kelly
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Community Scientific Subcommittee (CSS) Ethics Working Group, Nationwide, USA
| | - Orbit Clanton
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group Global CAB, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - David Palm
- Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication (CARE) CAB, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases HIV Treatment and Prevention CAB, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Danielle M Campbell
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board (CAB), San Francisco, CA, USA.,Charles R. Drew College of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Community Scientific Subcommittee (CSS) Ethics Working Group, Nationwide, USA.,Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality (School of Humanities), Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hursch Patel
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Samuel Ndukwe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Laney Henley
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Brown
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - John A Sauceda
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute for Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA
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