Developing Community Advisory Board guidelines for AIDS vaccine trials in China

Abstract

Background Community Advisory Boards (CABS) have played an important role in ensuring community oversight of AIDS vaccine trials and are an accepted part of the ethical conduct of AIDS vaccine trials. China’s political system limits community engagement in trial communities and wholesale application of western CAB approaches does not accomplish the intent of a CAB. We adapted the CAB concept to China’s political system through a multi year process of research and pilot testing in collaboration with six provincial CDCs conducting AIDS prevention research studies. Methods Using questionnaires developed by IAVI for a global CABS study, we carried out an assessment of existing CABS in six provinces in China. The questionnaire examined membership, process, and governance along with other aspects of CABS operations. The results were used to revise standard CABS guidelines developed by IAVI for use in Africa and India. The revised guidelines were pilot tested in three sites, in Yunnan, Guangxi, and Shanxi. In depth interviews were also conducted with CAB members and local CDCS. Results