Recruitment in AIDS Clinical Trials: Investigation of Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors Affecting Participation in Clinical Research

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to identify the social, psychological, and behavioral factors that influenced recruitment in AIDS clinical trials. The study compared HIV-infected individuals participating in a trial (n = 113) and a group of HIV-infected patients not currently participating in a trial (n = 103). Trial participants were more likely to be White (61.5% vs. 38.8%, p < .004), MSM (40.7% vs. 20.4%, p < .0001), with no IDU history (74.0% vs. 38.8%, p < .0001). Among trial nonparticipants, 42.2% indicated willingness to participate in a trial. Gender, race, and IDU history was not related to willingness to participate in a trial. Trial nonparticipants rated almost all aspects of the trial regimen as significantly more difficult compared to trial participants. Trial participants differed significantly on sociodemographic dimensions and in beliefs and attitudes toward medical therapies. These differences may limit the generalizability of trial results and, consequently, the effectiveness of HIV therapeutics.